Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
Major CPT Code Changes Coming in 2004
V codes victorious, no more seeing stars* The new CPT codes for 2004 will include signific... Read more
V codes victorious, no more seeing stars* The new CPT codes for 2004 will include signific... Read more
CMS Plans to Eliminate Starred Procedures
Get ready to justify modifier -25 for E/M after minor surgeries If your practice performs ... Read more
Get ready to justify modifier -25 for E/M after minor surgeries If your practice performs ... Read more
Medical Necessity a Must for Medicare Glaucoma Screening
Make sure you know the definition of "high-risk patients" to determine who is eligib... Read more
Make sure you know the definition of "high-risk patients" to determine who is eligib... Read more
You'd Better Watch Out:
OIG Work Plan Is Gunning for Fraudulent Practices
Coders and physicians who want to avoid fraud or other criminal charges would be wise to r... Read more
OIG Work Plan Is Gunning for Fraudulent Practices
Coders and physicians who want to avoid fraud or other criminal charges would be wise to r... Read more
Reader Question:
Simplify Reporting Post-Op Procedures
Question: One of our ophthalmologists did a TPPV for retinal detachment, 67108, and insert... Read more
Simplify Reporting Post-Op Procedures
Question: One of our ophthalmologists did a TPPV for retinal detachment, 67108, and insert... Read more
Reader Question:
One-Two Punch for Ophthalmoscopy Coding
Question: How should I bill for an extended ophthalmoscopy (92225-92226)? Is one code for ... Read more
One-Two Punch for Ophthalmoscopy Coding
Question: How should I bill for an extended ophthalmoscopy (92225-92226)? Is one code for ... Read more
Reader Question:
Suture Removal
Question: One to two months after repairing a corneal-scleral laceration, we frequently re... Read more
Suture Removal
Question: One to two months after repairing a corneal-scleral laceration, we frequently re... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Target the Right Code for OPT
Question: A 67-year-old man presents with macular degeneration. A physician performs OPT o... Read more
Target the Right Code for OPT
Question: A 67-year-old man presents with macular degeneration. A physician performs OPT o... Read more
Make the Mo$t of Your Claims for Fundus Photography
At the very least, you want to avoid fraud charges. At most, you want to get every penny y... Read more
At the very least, you want to avoid fraud charges. At most, you want to get every penny y... Read more
Reference Tip:
Check Medicare's Fee Schedule for Bilateral Codes
Most CPT codes in the ophthalmology section are considered unilateral by Medicare; however... Read more
Check Medicare's Fee Schedule for Bilateral Codes
Most CPT codes in the ophthalmology section are considered unilateral by Medicare; however... Read more
Avoid Complications of Diabetes-Related Coding
America is being blinded by obesity Coding for eye diseases related to diabetes presents ... Read more
America is being blinded by obesity Coding for eye diseases related to diabetes presents ... Read more
NCCI Version 9.3 Edits Sew Up Surgical Procedures
The new National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits include only one coding change for... Read more
The new National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits include only one coding change for... Read more
Reader Question:
A Map for Reporting Topography
Question: How do we correctly bill topography? We used 92499 (Unlisted ophthalmological se... Read more
A Map for Reporting Topography
Question: How do we correctly bill topography? We used 92499 (Unlisted ophthalmological se... Read more
Reader Question:
Coding Lesion Removal
Question: Which diagnosis codes should I use for removal of a benign lesion?Iowa Subscribe... Read more
Coding Lesion Removal
Question: Which diagnosis codes should I use for removal of a benign lesion?Iowa Subscribe... Read more
Reader Question:
Track Down Scleral Patch Graft Code
Question: Which CPT code should we use for a scleral patch graft following aqueous shunt p... Read more
Track Down Scleral Patch Graft Code
Question: Which CPT code should we use for a scleral patch graft following aqueous shunt p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don't Confuse 67210 and 67228
Question: Are background diabetic retinopathy and retinal edema treated by the same laser ... Read more
Don't Confuse 67210 and 67228
Question: Are background diabetic retinopathy and retinal edema treated by the same laser ... Read more
Get the Payment You Deserve For Returns to the OR
Requirements and reimbursement potential of modifiers -78 and -79Practices can avoid forfe... Read more
Requirements and reimbursement potential of modifiers -78 and -79Practices can avoid forfe... Read more
Watch the Clock for $27 More
Time - rather than the key E/M components of history, exam and medical decision-making (MD... Read more
Time - rather than the key E/M components of history, exam and medical decision-making (MD... Read more
Understand the 'Global' Before Using -78 and -79
An important step to understanding why modifiers postoperative modifiers are significant i... Read more
An important step to understanding why modifiers postoperative modifiers are significant i... Read more
News You Can Use:
NCCI Edits All Around - Free of Charge
CMS posts correct coding initiative on internetCMS has made it easier for physicians and o... Read more
NCCI Edits All Around - Free of Charge
CMS posts correct coding initiative on internetCMS has made it easier for physicians and o... Read more
Regulatory Update:
More Fee Cuts in Store for 2004
Physicians who see a lot of patients in the nursing home or home care settings could be se... Read more
More Fee Cuts in Store for 2004
Physicians who see a lot of patients in the nursing home or home care settings could be se... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid OIG Incident With the Following Advice
Question: If one of our techs handles a visual acuity tests or IOPs incident-to, can these... Read more
Avoid OIG Incident With the Following Advice
Question: If one of our techs handles a visual acuity tests or IOPs incident-to, can these... Read more
Reader Question:
V-Codes Lead for Long-Term Drug Effects
Question: When monitoring for drug effects related to long-term drug therapy, do you code ... Read more
V-Codes Lead for Long-Term Drug Effects
Question: When monitoring for drug effects related to long-term drug therapy, do you code ... Read more
Reader Question:
Understand Modifier -32
Question: When should I use modifier -32 and how does this modifier affect payment?Florida... Read more
Understand Modifier -32
Question: When should I use modifier -32 and how does this modifier affect payment?Florida... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Reporting Non-Covered Services to Medicare
Question: Our office is having a debate on how to handle services that are not covered by ... Read more
Reporting Non-Covered Services to Medicare
Question: Our office is having a debate on how to handle services that are not covered by ... Read more
Demystify, Modify and Kiss Denials Goodbye
Learn how to use modifiers -24 and -79 with the eye codes Oh, those modifiers! They remain... Read more
Learn how to use modifiers -24 and -79 with the eye codes Oh, those modifiers! They remain... Read more
Avoid 3 Common Diabetes Coding Mistakes
See your way clear of confusion and keep the feds from eyeing your practice If you fall do... Read more
See your way clear of confusion and keep the feds from eyeing your practice If you fall do... Read more
10 Tips for 'Getting It Right' Every Time
Use this field-tested checklist to make your work more efficient and more effective Coding... Read more
Use this field-tested checklist to make your work more efficient and more effective Coding... Read more
Think You've Made Your Case for Modifier -22? Not if You Haven't Done These 5 Things
If you're submitting claims for unusual procedural services without first determining how ... Read more
If you're submitting claims for unusual procedural services without first determining how ... Read more
Test Yourself:
Opt for -22 Over an Unlisted-Procedure Code
Question: Our physician asks us to report procedures that take extra time and effort wit... Read more
Opt for -22 Over an Unlisted-Procedure Code
Question: Our physician asks us to report procedures that take extra time and effort wit... Read more
Reader Question:
Using 99058 for Drop-Ins? Think Again
Question: We've recently been seeing so many drop-in appointments - referrals from primary... Read more
Using 99058 for Drop-Ins? Think Again
Question: We've recently been seeing so many drop-in appointments - referrals from primary... Read more
Reader Question:
Coding With -26 - How? When?
Question: A patient had an A-scan at the hospital one week before scheduled glaucoma surge... Read more
Coding With -26 - How? When?
Question: A patient had an A-scan at the hospital one week before scheduled glaucoma surge... Read more
Reader Question:
Handle Same-Day In-House Consults
Question: Our practice includes 10 ophthalmologists. Some of them have areas of specialty,... Read more
Handle Same-Day In-House Consults
Question: Our practice includes 10 ophthalmologists. Some of them have areas of specialty,... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose Your Coding Poison Based on Documentation
Question: How should I decide whether managing excessive bleeding that requires extra phys... Read more
Choose Your Coding Poison Based on Documentation
Question: How should I decide whether managing excessive bleeding that requires extra phys... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Signs, Symptoms, and E Codes - Oh My!
Question: A patient who had been the "master of ceremonies" at a family fireworks display ... Read more
Signs, Symptoms, and E Codes - Oh My!
Question: A patient who had been the "master of ceremonies" at a family fireworks display ... Read more
Avoid These 6 Pachymetry Coding Pitfalls
Practices increasingly use pachymetry to diagnose and treat glaucoma and they use the... Read more
Practices increasingly use pachymetry to diagnose and treat glaucoma and they use the... Read more
From the Front Lines:
Get Active and Help Develop Your Local Carriers LMRP
Even though some carriers have finalized local medical review policies (LMRPs) for pachyme... Read more
Get Active and Help Develop Your Local Carriers LMRP
Even though some carriers have finalized local medical review policies (LMRPs) for pachyme... Read more
Government Regulation Updates:
Take the Money and Run
CMS Has Change of Heart on Proposed "Mass Adjustment" Good news for your practice: Ophtha... Read more
Take the Money and Run
CMS Has Change of Heart on Proposed "Mass Adjustment" Good news for your practice: Ophtha... Read more
News You Can Use:
Patient on Steroids? Check Out These New ICD-9 Changes
Long-term use of steroids or other common medications can have a dramatic effect on eye h... Read more
Patient on Steroids? Check Out These New ICD-9 Changes
Long-term use of steroids or other common medications can have a dramatic effect on eye h... Read more
News You Can Use:
CCI 9.2 Bundles Nutrition Therapy With ... Everything!
Okay, maybe not everything, but the latest version of the National Correct Coding Initiat... Read more
CCI 9.2 Bundles Nutrition Therapy With ... Everything!
Okay, maybe not everything, but the latest version of the National Correct Coding Initiat... Read more
Reader Question:
Base Bilateral Coding on LMRP Rules
Question: How should I report ocular coherence tomography (OCT) when my ophthalmologist pe... Read more
Base Bilateral Coding on LMRP Rules
Question: How should I report ocular coherence tomography (OCT) when my ophthalmologist pe... Read more
Reader Question:
Code New Doctors Old Patients Correctly
Question: A new ophthalmologist recently joined our practice. A few of her patients from h... Read more
Code New Doctors Old Patients Correctly
Question: A new ophthalmologist recently joined our practice. A few of her patients from h... Read more
Reader Question:
Unbundle Ocular Photography
Question: My ophthalmologist performed slit lamp photography and gonioscopy. Should I sep... Read more
Unbundle Ocular Photography
Question: My ophthalmologist performed slit lamp photography and gonioscopy. Should I sep... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Split the Bill (Correctly) With Modifier -55
Question: We have a single ophthalmologist in our practice who relies on optometrists... Read more
Split the Bill (Correctly) With Modifier -55
Question: We have a single ophthalmologist in our practice who relies on optometrists... Read more
Avoid Being Caught in the No Reason Diagnosis Coding Trap
Be Smart About Coding Chief Complaints Coding a patient's chief complaint may seem easy a... Read more
Be Smart About Coding Chief Complaints Coding a patient's chief complaint may seem easy a... Read more
Dont Confuse New Lens Insertions With Exchanges
" Clarify Intraocular Lens Implantation Coding Coding intraocular le... Read more
" Clarify Intraocular Lens Implantation Coding Coding intraocular le... Read more
Forget Needing a New Chief Complaint With G0117 and G0118
Don't assume that Medicare won't ever cover a complaint-free visit; there are particular ... Read more
Don't assume that Medicare won't ever cover a complaint-free visit; there are particular ... Read more
News Brief:
Bill Medicare for Low-Vision Testing?
Keep Your Eyes Peeled on This One Watch for a bill introduced into Congress on May 1... Read more
Bill Medicare for Low-Vision Testing?
Keep Your Eyes Peeled on This One Watch for a bill introduced into Congress on May 1... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose Best-Fit Low-Vision Testing Code
Question: Which code should we use for the low- vision testing that our technician perfor... Read more
Choose Best-Fit Low-Vision Testing Code
Question: Which code should we use for the low- vision testing that our technician perfor... Read more
Reader Question:
Look at Symptoms Before Coding Plateau Iris
Question: What is the ICD-9 code for plateau iris? Maryland Subscriber A... Read more
Look at Symptoms Before Coding Plateau Iris
Question: What is the ICD-9 code for plateau iris? Maryland Subscriber A... Read more
Reader Question:
Bundle Keratoplasty and Iris Repair
Question: One of our physicians performed a keratoplasty (65755) and an iris repair (6668... Read more
Bundle Keratoplasty and Iris Repair
Question: One of our physicians performed a keratoplasty (65755) and an iris repair (6668... Read more
Reader Question:
Abide by 99211 Bundling
Question: Medicare recently denied our claims for two patients' brief office visits coded... Read more
Abide by 99211 Bundling
Question: Medicare recently denied our claims for two patients' brief office visits coded... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding for Re-Formation of Flat Anterior Chamber
Question: We had a patient with previous glaucoma surgery who lifted a very heavy object... Read more
Coding for Re-Formation of Flat Anterior Chamber
Question: We had a patient with previous glaucoma surgery who lifted a very heavy object... Read more
Denied Again for OCT? Not if You Abide by These 5 Rules
Knowing that OCT is reported with the SCODI code won't cut it if you want to be reimbur... Read more
Knowing that OCT is reported with the SCODI code won't cut it if you want to be reimbur... Read more
Avoid Schirmers Test Denials With This Documentation
Billing for Schirmer's test and getting denied can be aggravating. Understanding how Med... Read more
Billing for Schirmer's test and getting denied can be aggravating. Understanding how Med... Read more
Professionals Reveal Their Professionals Reveal Their
Don't get mired down deciding on a proper treatment code: Using helpful coding tools wil... Read more
Don't get mired down deciding on a proper treatment code: Using helpful coding tools wil... Read more
Correction:
Physician Supervision Level for 76519
Thanks to Patricia L. Henry, COT, office manager for C. Allan Henry, MD, in Norfolk Va.,... Read more
Physician Supervision Level for 76519
Thanks to Patricia L. Henry, COT, office manager for C. Allan Henry, MD, in Norfolk Va.,... Read more
Stop Denials for Visual Fields Performed for Stop Denials for Visual Fields Performed for
Sure, you can look up each individual carriers list of covered diagnosis codes for visual... Read more
Sure, you can look up each individual carriers list of covered diagnosis codes for visual... Read more
Glaucoma Attacks:
One Code Does the Trick
Dont let the abundance of guidelines for the prolonged services codes deter you from repo... Read more
One Code Does the Trick
Dont let the abundance of guidelines for the prolonged services codes deter you from repo... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Count the Days Before Reporting a New Patient
Question: When using the eye code 92004 for a complete exam (new patient), how much time... Read more
Count the Days Before Reporting a New Patient
Question: When using the eye code 92004 for a complete exam (new patient), how much time... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Get Reimbursed for Conductive Keratoplasty
Question: Is there any way we can receive reimbursement for doing a conductive keratopla... Read more
Get Reimbursed for Conductive Keratoplasty
Question: Is there any way we can receive reimbursement for doing a conductive keratopla... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Use After-Hours Codes Outside Normal Hours
Question: Our office regularly stays open until 8 p.m. one evening per week. (We usually... Read more
Use After-Hours Codes Outside Normal Hours
Question: Our office regularly stays open until 8 p.m. one evening per week. (We usually... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Modifier -57 and Minor Procedures Dont Mix
Question: We use modifier -57 on separately identifiable E/M services during which the d... Read more
Modifier -57 and Minor Procedures Dont Mix
Question: We use modifier -57 on separately identifiable E/M services during which the d... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Code Pupilloplasty Based on Method
Question: One of our physicians performed a pupilloplasty. What is the correct code for t... Read more
Code Pupilloplasty Based on Method
Question: One of our physicians performed a pupilloplasty. What is the correct code for t... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Physician Provides Free Telephone Orders
Question: One of our regular patients has moved to a nursing home and is unable to come... Read more
Physician Provides Free Telephone Orders
Question: One of our regular patients has moved to a nursing home and is unable to come... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Push for IOP Payment
Question: Can we bill separately for checking a patients IOP when it is being checked in ... Read more
Push for IOP Payment
Question: Can we bill separately for checking a patients IOP when it is being checked in ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Stick to V Codes for Screenings
Question: If an eligible patient presents for a glaucoma screening, and testing reveals ... Read more
Stick to V Codes for Screenings
Question: If an eligible patient presents for a glaucoma screening, and testing reveals ... Read more
READER QUESTION:
Separate Needling From Post-Op With -78
Question: My ophthalmologist performed a needling procedure during the postoperative peri... Read more
Separate Needling From Post-Op With -78
Question: My ophthalmologist performed a needling procedure during the postoperative peri... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Dont Include Gonioscopy in E/M
Question: What components of a diagnostic glaucoma evaluation are separately billable fr... Read more
Dont Include Gonioscopy in E/M
Question: What components of a diagnostic glaucoma evaluation are separately billable fr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Solve Chronic E/M Problems
Question: What risk level does a patient with glaucoma qualify for? I'm having trouble f... Read more
Solve Chronic E/M Problems
Question: What risk level does a patient with glaucoma qualify for? I'm having trouble f... Read more
CCI Update:
Version 9.1 Bundles Cataract Removal
Attention, ophthalmology coders : If you've been reporting cataract removal codes s... Read more
Version 9.1 Bundles Cataract Removal
Attention, ophthalmology coders : If you've been reporting cataract removal codes s... Read more
Gonioscopy Is Free From E/M Grasp
If you've been confused as to whether you should report 92020 with eye codes, E/M codes,... Read more
If you've been confused as to whether you should report 92020 with eye codes, E/M codes,... Read more
Smart MDM Is Worth $35 a Pop
If you've been downcoding to a level-four office visit or lower just to play it safe, ... Read more
If you've been downcoding to a level-four office visit or lower just to play it safe, ... Read more
Reader Question:
NCCI Bundles 67924 and 67950
Question: Can I bill an entropion repair (67924) and a canthoplasty (67950) together, or... Read more
NCCI Bundles 67924 and 67950
Question: Can I bill an entropion repair (67924) and a canthoplasty (67950) together, or... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill 92070 for Contacts for Keratoconus
Question: Can I bill for contacts? We have a Medicare patient with keratoconus who needs... Read more
Bill 92070 for Contacts for Keratoconus
Question: Can I bill for contacts? We have a Medicare patient with keratoconus who needs... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use Modifier -22 With 65420
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Use Modifier -22 With 65420
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Show Blepharoplasty Necessity With Careful Documentation
Don't let payments droop when it comes to eyelid surgery, because it is possible for y... Read more
Don't let payments droop when it comes to eyelid surgery, because it is possible for y... Read more
Test Your Technician Billing Know-How
If you believe your technician's only purpose is to save extra time for the physician,... Read more
If you believe your technician's only purpose is to save extra time for the physician,... Read more
News Brief:
CMS Increases Physician Payment Rates for 2003
Dry up your tears, because CMS issued a regulation on Feb. 26, 2003, to boost Medicare p... Read more
CMS Increases Physician Payment Rates for 2003
Dry up your tears, because CMS issued a regulation on Feb. 26, 2003, to boost Medicare p... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Double-Bill for Cataract Surgery
Question: We did a routine cataract procedure in which the lens implant was damaged and ... Read more
Dont Double-Bill for Cataract Surgery
Question: We did a routine cataract procedure in which the lens implant was damaged and ... Read more
Reader Question:
Cosmetic Lesion Removal Uncovered
Question: What diagnosis code should I use when the physician removes a lesion and does ... Read more
Cosmetic Lesion Removal Uncovered
Question: What diagnosis code should I use when the physician removes a lesion and does ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use V Codes for Plaquenil Patients
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use to report visual field tests for patients on... Read more
Use V Codes for Plaquenil Patients
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use to report visual field tests for patients on... Read more
Reader Question:
Glaucoma Follow-Ups Get Mixed Reviews
Question: When we see a confirmed glaucoma patient who needs to have follow-up appointme... Read more
Glaucoma Follow-Ups Get Mixed Reviews
Question: When we see a confirmed glaucoma patient who needs to have follow-up appointme... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Laser Suture Lysis Included in Surgical Package
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Laser Suture Lysis Included in Surgical Package
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Avoid Recurring Denials When Coding Recurrent Retinal Repairs
Don't split at the seams standing behind your coding method for recurrent retinal ... Read more
Don't split at the seams standing behind your coding method for recurrent retinal ... Read more
FAQs About Foreign-Body Sensation:
Complain When Tests Yield Negative Results
When a patient comes in with a complaint but the suspected diagnosis comes out neg... Read more
Complain When Tests Yield Negative Results
When a patient comes in with a complaint but the suspected diagnosis comes out neg... Read more
Use Documentation to Get Exam And Foreign-Body Removal Paid
When ophthalmologists perform a foreign-body removal and an eye exam on the ... Read more
When ophthalmologists perform a foreign-body removal and an eye exam on the ... Read more
News You Can Use:
AAO Previews Key CCI 9.1 Edits
If the bundling of anterior vitrectomies and cataract surgeries is giving you the blues, ... Read more
AAO Previews Key CCI 9.1 Edits
If the bundling of anterior vitrectomies and cataract surgeries is giving you the blues, ... Read more
Code All Components of Ocular Photodynamic Therapy
Ocular photodynamic therapy (OPT), 67221, is used to treat the classic form of wet ... Read more
Ocular photodynamic therapy (OPT), 67221, is used to treat the classic form of wet ... Read more
Check Laser Coding Using the Assigned Diagnosis Code
If you're not 100 percent sure that you will choose the appropriate lase... Read more
If you're not 100 percent sure that you will choose the appropriate lase... Read more
Use 2 Diagnosis Codes to Report Diabetic Retinopathy
When a patient presents with diabetic retinopathy, ICD-9 instructs coders to... Read more
When a patient presents with diabetic retinopathy, ICD-9 instructs coders to... Read more
Use LASIK to Guide Your PRK and PTK Coding
LASIK, PRK and PTK are three laser refractive keratoplasty procedures that have a prob... Read more
LASIK, PRK and PTK are three laser refractive keratoplasty procedures that have a prob... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid 66852 for IOL Insertion
Question: How should I code the removal of a dislocated lens via a pars plana approach d... Read more
Avoid 66852 for IOL Insertion
Question: How should I code the removal of a dislocated lens via a pars plana approach d... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Diagnosis for Astigmatism Correction
Question: Can you talk me through billing for astigmatism that was induced by cataract s... Read more
Check Diagnosis for Astigmatism Correction
Question: Can you talk me through billing for astigmatism that was induced by cataract s... Read more
Reader Question:
Uncover Basic Suture Removal
Question: The day after undergoing a glaucoma filtering procedure, the patient returned t... Read more
Uncover Basic Suture Removal
Question: The day after undergoing a glaucoma filtering procedure, the patient returned t... Read more
Reader Question:
Let CMS Doctor Your Injection Coding
Question: Can we bill an injection code separately? Ohio Subscriber Answer: Billing injec... Read more
Let CMS Doctor Your Injection Coding
Question: Can we bill an injection code separately? Ohio Subscriber Answer: Billing injec... Read more
Reader Question:
Use One Diagnosis for Pre-Ops
Question: What are the diagnosis-code requirements for billing preoperative exams? Is it ... Read more
Use One Diagnosis for Pre-Ops
Question: What are the diagnosis-code requirements for billing preoperative exams? Is it ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use -79 with Post-Op 67228
Question: One week after my ophthalmologist performed panretinal photocoagulation on a p... Read more
Use -79 with Post-Op 67228
Question: One week after my ophthalmologist performed panretinal photocoagulation on a p... Read more
Reader Question:
Code TTT with Category III
Question: How should I code transpupillary thermotherapy? Is there a CPT code for this? ... Read more
Code TTT with Category III
Question: How should I code transpupillary thermotherapy? Is there a CPT code for this? ... Read more
Reader Question:
Determine Necessity for Post-Op 67228
Question: If the ophthalmologist performs 67210-RT and a month later the patient returns... Read more
Determine Necessity for Post-Op 67228
Question: If the ophthalmologist performs 67210-RT and a month later the patient returns... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use 2 Codes for Infected Scleral Buckle
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lo... Read more
Use 2 Codes for Infected Scleral Buckle
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lo... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Dont Confuse 67210 and 67228
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lookin... Read more
Dont Confuse 67210 and 67228
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lookin... Read more
Learn the ABCs of Coding A-Scans and B-Scans so Getting Reimbursed Is As Easy As 1-2-3
A-scans and B-scans have more than one alias ultrasounds, ophthalmic biometry, mode... Read more
A-scans and B-scans have more than one alias ultrasounds, ophthalmic biometry, mode... Read more
76519 Under the Microscope:
Follow CMS Regulations
One of the most commonly reported scan codes is 76519, but before you can calculate yo... Read more
Follow CMS Regulations
One of the most commonly reported scan codes is 76519, but before you can calculate yo... Read more
Finalized 2003 Fee Schedule Confirms Ophthalmologists Fears
Finally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published the 2003 Physici... Read more
Finally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published the 2003 Physici... Read more
News Brief:
CCI 9.0 Blocks Out Billing for 64416 and 64402
Ophthalmology coders glide through the latest Correct Coding Initiative edits and into... Read more
CCI 9.0 Blocks Out Billing for 64416 and 64402
Ophthalmology coders glide through the latest Correct Coding Initiative edits and into... Read more
Coding Tips:
10 Steps to Ensure ICD-9-CM Coding Compliance
When coders make the same mistakes again and again, the feds could view those benign e... Read more
10 Steps to Ensure ICD-9-CM Coding Compliance
When coders make the same mistakes again and again, the feds could view those benign e... Read more
Reader Question:
Use -79 with Post-YAG Cataract Extractions
Question: Our ophthalmologist performed a YAG procedure on a patient's left eye, and... Read more
Use -79 with Post-YAG Cataract Extractions
Question: Our ophthalmologist performed a YAG procedure on a patient's left eye, and... Read more
Reader Question:
Apply New NPP Rules to Hospital,Not Office,E/Ms
Question: I've heard that CMS has issued a memorandum regarding new NPP guidelines. Ho... Read more
Apply New NPP Rules to Hospital,Not Office,E/Ms
Question: I've heard that CMS has issued a memorandum regarding new NPP guidelines. Ho... Read more
Reader Question:
Simplify Silicone-Oil Removal Coding
Question: I can't seem to locate a code that describes the removal of silicon... Read more
Simplify Silicone-Oil Removal Coding
Question: I can't seem to locate a code that describes the removal of silicon... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Bill Post-Trabeculectomy 5-FU Supply, Not Injection
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Bill Post-Trabeculectomy 5-FU Supply, Not Injection
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Cater Traumatic Injury Coding to Treatment Location
If you don't know the difference between coding traumatic injuries treated in the of... Read more
If you don't know the difference between coding traumatic injuries treated in the of... Read more
Extend Your Knowledge of Ophthalmoscopy Requirements
Until Medicare establishes national guidelines for billing extended ophthalmoscopies (EO... Read more
Until Medicare establishes national guidelines for billing extended ophthalmoscopies (EO... Read more
EO Bilateral Basics
Don't boast about your coding skills before brushing up on your bilateral extended ophth... Read more
Don't boast about your coding skills before brushing up on your bilateral extended ophth... Read more
News Brief:
Cataract Co-Management Comes Under OIG Scrutiny
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its 2003 Work Plan and it look... Read more
Cataract Co-Management Comes Under OIG Scrutiny
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its 2003 Work Plan and it look... Read more
Reader Question:
Pursuing Punctum Plug Answers
Question: There is a big discrepancy in how to post punctal plugs properly, how to bil... Read more
Pursuing Punctum Plug Answers
Question: There is a big discrepancy in how to post punctal plugs properly, how to bil... Read more
Reader Question:
Differentiate Between 375.15 and 370.21 by Condition
Question: Can 375.15 and 370.21 be used interchangeably? When would one be the preferr... Read more
Differentiate Between 375.15 and 370.21 by Condition
Question: Can 375.15 and 370.21 be used interchangeably? When would one be the preferr... Read more
Reader Question:
Pachymetry for Medicare Patient
Question: Will Medicare reimburse for the 0025T pachymetry code? We are getting mixed ... Read more
Pachymetry for Medicare Patient
Question: Will Medicare reimburse for the 0025T pachymetry code? We are getting mixed ... Read more
Reader Question:
Obtain New Patient Sign-Off on History
Question: When a new patient fills out the medical history form, should both the patient... Read more
Obtain New Patient Sign-Off on History
Question: When a new patient fills out the medical history form, should both the patient... Read more
Reader Question:
Amblyopia Follow-Up for a Medicare Patient
Question: Our technician performed a visual acuity test on a Medicare patient as a... Read more
Amblyopia Follow-Up for a Medicare Patient
Question: Our technician performed a visual acuity test on a Medicare patient as a... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code an Incomplete Exam After Completion
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looki... Read more
Code an Incomplete Exam After Completion
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looki... Read more