Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
CPT 2009 Update:
Start Using 65756 for Endothelial Keratoplasty in January
Also: Include graft prep in other corneal transplant codes. If you've been frustra... Read more
Start Using 65756 for Endothelial Keratoplasty in January
Also: Include graft prep in other corneal transplant codes. If you've been frustra... Read more
Look to Modifiers KX, EY for Keys to DME Reimbursement
Keep medical necessity distinct from patient preference in documentation.If you're providi... Read more
Keep medical necessity distinct from patient preference in documentation.If you're providi... Read more
DME MACs Usually Won't Cover These
There are a few HCPCS codes that your DME MAC will never cover. Make sure that the Medicar... Read more
There are a few HCPCS codes that your DME MAC will never cover. Make sure that the Medicar... Read more
E/M Corner:
Use Inside Info to Prevent HPI Rule Hunt
In CMS's eyes, this element is your ophthalmologist's duty.You're not alone if you've read... Read more
Use Inside Info to Prevent HPI Rule Hunt
In CMS's eyes, this element is your ophthalmologist's duty.You're not alone if you've read... Read more
Clarification:
Comprehensive Exams Don't Always Include Dilation
A Reader Question in Ophthalmology Coding Alert, Vol. 11, No. 7, "Distinguish Between 9201... Read more
Comprehensive Exams Don't Always Include Dilation
A Reader Question in Ophthalmology Coding Alert, Vol. 11, No. 7, "Distinguish Between 9201... Read more
Reader Questions:
Forget Modifiers for Bilateral VF
Question: As a retina office, we occasionally do visual fields. However, when I report 920... Read more
Forget Modifiers for Bilateral VF
Question: As a retina office, we occasionally do visual fields. However, when I report 920... Read more
Reader Questions:
Describe Follow-Up Visits Accurately With V Codes
Question: If a patient receives treatment and the condition was resolved, which ICD-9 code... Read more
Describe Follow-Up Visits Accurately With V Codes
Question: If a patient receives treatment and the condition was resolved, which ICD-9 code... Read more
Reader Questions:
Link 92250 to Ophthalmic Manifestation
Question: We submitted a claim for 99204 and 92250 to Medicare. The diagnosis code for bot... Read more
Link 92250 to Ophthalmic Manifestation
Question: We submitted a claim for 99204 and 92250 to Medicare. The diagnosis code for bot... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Avastin Injection
Question: Should I be reporting J3490 for Avastin for all carriers, including Medicare? Th... Read more
Avastin Injection
Question: Should I be reporting J3490 for Avastin for all carriers, including Medicare? Th... Read more
CCI Update:
; Think You Can Report Nerve Block Injections and Eye Surgery Separately? Think Again
Also: New bundles affect your vitrectomy codingIf you were hoping to report anesthetic inj... Read more
; Think You Can Report Nerve Block Injections and Eye Surgery Separately? Think Again
Also: New bundles affect your vitrectomy codingIf you were hoping to report anesthetic inj... Read more
Don't Assume After-Cataracts Are Included in Global
Correctly applying modifier 78 to YAG capsulotomies could be worth $197Ophthalmologists pe... Read more
Correctly applying modifier 78 to YAG capsulotomies could be worth $197Ophthalmologists pe... Read more
Reader Questions; Exophthalmometry Included in Eye Codes
Question: Is there a CPT code for exophthalmometry?Georgia SubscriberAnswer: CPT considers... Read more
Question: Is there a CPT code for exophthalmometry?Georgia SubscriberAnswer: CPT considers... Read more
Reader Questions; Don't Confuse PAM With VEP
Question: Is 95930 the correct procedure code for potential visual acuity meter? Can this ... Read more
Question: Is 95930 the correct procedure code for potential visual acuity meter? Can this ... Read more
Reader Questions; Wait for Path Report for Eye Lesion Dx
Question: I'm having trouble with a diagnosis code for a lesion removal. The ophthalmologi... Read more
Question: I'm having trouble with a diagnosis code for a lesion removal. The ophthalmologi... Read more
Reader Questions; Get Technical With VFs Ordered by Outside Doc
Question: We performed a visual field ordered by a doctor outside our practice. The patien... Read more
Question: We performed a visual field ordered by a doctor outside our practice. The patien... Read more
Reader Questions; Pack Both Eyes Into Pachymetry
Question: I am not clear on how to bill pachymetry correctly. Previously, I was able to bi... Read more
Question: I am not clear on how to bill pachymetry correctly. Previously, I was able to bi... Read more
Reader Questions; Medicare Considers Interpreter Service 'Incidental'
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use with T1013 for using an interpreter with a Med... Read more
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use with T1013 for using an interpreter with a Med... Read more
You Be the Coder; Blepharoptosis and Entropion Repair
Question: Our ophthalmic surgeon performed a levator resection (67904), an entropion repai... Read more
Question: Our ophthalmic surgeon performed a levator resection (67904), an entropion repai... Read more
Choose the Right E/M or Eye Code to Optimize Reimbursement
Use the 99200 codes for patients with specific problems -- but make sure your documentatio... Read more
Use the 99200 codes for patients with specific problems -- but make sure your documentatio... Read more
Look to G, V Codes for Medicare Glaucoma Screens
ABN is a must if patient is ineligible for covered testWhen your ophthalmologist performs ... Read more
ABN is a must if patient is ineligible for covered testWhen your ophthalmologist performs ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Don't Let Modifier 59 Misuse Wreck Your Reimbursement
One carrier reminds practices to heed the rules when separating CCI editsTrying to bypass ... Read more
Don't Let Modifier 59 Misuse Wreck Your Reimbursement
One carrier reminds practices to heed the rules when separating CCI editsTrying to bypass ... Read more
Payment Update:
Congress Officially Delays Physician Pay Cuts Until 2010
Lawmakers overturn presidential veto just in timeIf you were starting to break a sweat in ... Read more
Congress Officially Delays Physician Pay Cuts Until 2010
Lawmakers overturn presidential veto just in timeIf you were starting to break a sweat in ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Never Use E Codes as Primary Diagnoses
Question: I've never really understood E codes and when I should use them. Would you expla... Read more
Never Use E Codes as Primary Diagnoses
Question: I've never really understood E codes and when I should use them. Would you expla... Read more
Reader Questions:
Split Bill for Fundus Photos at SNF
Question: We performed fundus photos on a patient in a skilled nursing facility, and Medic... Read more
Split Bill for Fundus Photos at SNF
Question: We performed fundus photos on a patient in a skilled nursing facility, and Medic... Read more
Reader Questions:
Append GY to Refraction Claims
Question: A doctor recently told me that appending modifier GY to the refraction code woul... Read more
Append GY to Refraction Claims
Question: A doctor recently told me that appending modifier GY to the refraction code woul... Read more
Reader Questions:
When Is Redetermination the Best Option?
Question: We performed a service that we know was medically necessary, but the carrier den... Read more
When Is Redetermination the Best Option?
Question: We performed a service that we know was medically necessary, but the carrier den... Read more
Reader Questions:
No Guidance on Horizon for NPPs
Question: There was recently some discussion on a professional coding listserv about a new... Read more
No Guidance on Horizon for NPPs
Question: There was recently some discussion on a professional coding listserv about a new... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Coding for Mini Glaucoma Shunt
Question: We used to report 66180 when the ophthalmologist implanted a mini aqueous shunt ... Read more
Coding for Mini Glaucoma Shunt
Question: We used to report 66180 when the ophthalmologist implanted a mini aqueous shunt ... Read more
VEP Tests on Nonverbal Patients? Look to 95930 for Complete Reimbursement
You may find better amblyopia testing results -- and more steady payment -- with visual ev... Read more
You may find better amblyopia testing results -- and more steady payment -- with visual ev... Read more
Focus on Medical Necessity for Fitting Keratoconic Lenses
Follow this strategy and earn $65 for each contact lens procedure You know you can'... Read more
Follow this strategy and earn $65 for each contact lens procedure You know you can'... Read more
Stay Away From 92310 for Aphakia
Correct coding depends on whether the patient needs lenses on one or both eyesSituation: A... Read more
Correct coding depends on whether the patient needs lenses on one or both eyesSituation: A... Read more
Master Diagnosis Coding in 3 Easy Steps
Hint: Medical necessity is not necessarily a top priority If your diagnosis coding fai... Read more
Hint: Medical necessity is not necessarily a top priority If your diagnosis coding fai... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Your Case for Separate Iris Suture
Question: We have a patient who underwent both 66682 and 66982. The insurance company is d... Read more
Make Your Case for Separate Iris Suture
Question: We have a patient who underwent both 66682 and 66982. The insurance company is d... Read more
Reader Questions:
Skip PRK Follow-Up by Second Ophthalmologist
Question: We got a patient for a PRK follow-up exam. He had the surgery done at another fa... Read more
Skip PRK Follow-Up by Second Ophthalmologist
Question: We got a patient for a PRK follow-up exam. He had the surgery done at another fa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Ignore Patient Status for WC Claims
Question: My ophthalmologist said that if an established patient comes in for workers' com... Read more
Don't Ignore Patient Status for WC Claims
Question: My ophthalmologist said that if an established patient comes in for workers' com... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report Quantity Defects Strategy With 92082
Question: I understand that a visual field (VF) screening is 92081 and a 30-2 full-thresho... Read more
Report Quantity Defects Strategy With 92082
Question: I understand that a visual field (VF) screening is 92081 and a 30-2 full-thresho... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Gold Lid Weight Insertion
Question: How would I code for insertion of gold eyelid weights to correct lagophthalmos? ... Read more
Gold Lid Weight Insertion
Question: How would I code for insertion of gold eyelid weights to correct lagophthalmos? ... Read more
CCI 14.2 Update:
Include Lens Extractions, Cataract Procedures in Retinal Detachment Repair
Skipping these 26 and TC rules could be costing you $30 per patientRetinal coders, take no... Read more
Include Lens Extractions, Cataract Procedures in Retinal Detachment Repair
Skipping these 26 and TC rules could be costing you $30 per patientRetinal coders, take no... Read more
Read This Before Coding Your Next IOL Master or A-Scan
Skipping these 26 and TC rules could be costing you $30 per patientIn 2005, Medicare paid ... Read more
Skipping these 26 and TC rules could be costing you $30 per patientIn 2005, Medicare paid ... Read more
News You Can Use:
Errors May Cost Ophthalmologists More Than $86 Million
Insufficient documentation cost practices $1.3 billion in 2007Can't seem to get your ophth... Read more
Errors May Cost Ophthalmologists More Than $86 Million
Insufficient documentation cost practices $1.3 billion in 2007Can't seem to get your ophth... Read more
Reader Questions:
Delay Gratification for Dilated Exam
Question: How should we handle it when a patient who has come in for a regular eye exam in... Read more
Delay Gratification for Dilated Exam
Question: How should we handle it when a patient who has come in for a regular eye exam in... Read more
Reader Questions:
Base Lid Repair Code on Thickness
Question: Our ophthalmologist took a patient into the OR for repair of a lid laceration an... Read more
Base Lid Repair Code on Thickness
Question: Our ophthalmologist took a patient into the OR for repair of a lid laceration an... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look at 371.6x for Keratoconus Patient
Question: What would the correct diagnosis codes be for a routine exam with the diagnosis ... Read more
Look at 371.6x for Keratoconus Patient
Question: What would the correct diagnosis codes be for a routine exam with the diagnosis ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Report 372.51 for Irritated Pinguecula
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use for an irritated pinguecula?Connecticut Subscr... Read more
Report 372.51 for Irritated Pinguecula
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use for an irritated pinguecula?Connecticut Subscr... Read more
Reader Questions:
Unlock Global-Period Mysteries With Fee Schedule
Question: I listened to a conference during which the speaker cautioned against billing du... Read more
Unlock Global-Period Mysteries With Fee Schedule
Question: I listened to a conference during which the speaker cautioned against billing du... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Botox for Blepharospasm
Question: How should I code for Botox injections to control blepharospasm? Tennessee Subsc... Read more
Botox for Blepharospasm
Question: How should I code for Botox injections to control blepharospasm? Tennessee Subsc... Read more
CPT Challenge:
Are You Ready for These 3 Cataract Coding Scenarios? Test Yourself
Surgery on both eyes on different dates means 2 global periods -- and hundreds in reimburs... Read more
Are You Ready for These 3 Cataract Coding Scenarios? Test Yourself
Surgery on both eyes on different dates means 2 global periods -- and hundreds in reimburs... Read more
Checking Method and Location Leads to Correct FBR Coding
Imbedded or superficial? Corneal or conjunctival? Answer before codingCoding for an ocular... Read more
Imbedded or superficial? Corneal or conjunctival? Answer before codingCoding for an ocular... Read more
Are You Within the National E/M 'Bell Curve'? Find Out
Audit alert: If your billing pattern differs too much from Medicare statistics, you could ... Read more
Audit alert: If your billing pattern differs too much from Medicare statistics, you could ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Add Modifier 53 for Discontinued FA
Question: During a fluorescein angiography (FA), the ophthalmologist injected the dye bu... Read more
Add Modifier 53 for Discontinued FA
Question: During a fluorescein angiography (FA), the ophthalmologist injected the dye bu... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find 'Track or Treat' Evidence for 92285 Claims
Question: Our ophthalmologist performs external ocular photography for a Medicare patient ... Read more
Find 'Track or Treat' Evidence for 92285 Claims
Question: Our ophthalmologist performs external ocular photography for a Medicare patient ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Add Eyelid Lesion Sizes
Question: The ophthalmologist removed six lesions from a patient's right upper eyelid in F... Read more
Don't Add Eyelid Lesion Sizes
Question: The ophthalmologist removed six lesions from a patient's right upper eyelid in F... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish Between 92012 and 92014
Question: When should I use 92012 rather than 92014?Virginia SubscriberAnswer: The main di... Read more
Distinguish Between 92012 and 92014
Question: When should I use 92012 rather than 92014?Virginia SubscriberAnswer: The main di... Read more
Reader Questions:
Conduct 3 Tests Before Coding Diurnal Curve Encounters
Question: Is there a code for "diurnal curve testing," during which the ophthalmologist ch... Read more
Conduct 3 Tests Before Coding Diurnal Curve Encounters
Question: Is there a code for "diurnal curve testing," during which the ophthalmologist ch... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Pterygium Excision With Amniotic Graft
Question: Our ophthalmologist performed a pterygium excision with an amniotic graft. But I... Read more
Pterygium Excision With Amniotic Graft
Question: Our ophthalmologist performed a pterygium excision with an amniotic graft. But I... Read more
Reporting 1 Code for Bilateral Strabismus Surgery? Read This First
There's no business like strabismus, especially when billing bilaterally can save you $160... Read more
There's no business like strabismus, especially when billing bilaterally can save you $160... Read more
Distinguish Major Retinopathy of Prematurity With New Codes
Proposed ICD-9 codes would break down ROP by stagesGood news for ophthalmologists treating... Read more
Proposed ICD-9 codes would break down ROP by stagesGood news for ophthalmologists treating... Read more
Eliminate NEMB Jumble With New ABN
Update now if you're not already using the revised formIf your practice is like most ophth... Read more
Update now if you're not already using the revised formIf your practice is like most ophth... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Change Insertion Code by Plug Type
Question: Our ophthalmologist uses both temporary and permanent punctal plugs. Should I co... Read more
Don't Change Insertion Code by Plug Type
Question: Our ophthalmologist uses both temporary and permanent punctal plugs. Should I co... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Paper as a Backup for Modifier 22 Claims
Question: Must I always file modifier 22 claims manually? Is there an easier and faster wa... Read more
Use Paper as a Backup for Modifier 22 Claims
Question: Must I always file modifier 22 claims manually? Is there an easier and faster wa... Read more
Reader Questions:
Document Ultrasonic FB Localization Necessity
Question: During surgery, the ophthalmologist performed an ultrasound of the patient's eye... Read more
Document Ultrasonic FB Localization Necessity
Question: During surgery, the ophthalmologist performed an ultrasound of the patient's eye... Read more
Reader Questions:
Expect More Money From In-Office Procedure
Question: What is the difference between facility and nonfacility relative value units (RV... Read more
Expect More Money From In-Office Procedure
Question: What is the difference between facility and nonfacility relative value units (RV... Read more
Reader Questions:
Aim for Proper Ametropia ICD-9 Code
Question: Which ICD-9 code should I report for ametropia?Kansas SubscriberAnswer: The appr... Read more
Aim for Proper Ametropia ICD-9 Code
Question: Which ICD-9 code should I report for ametropia?Kansas SubscriberAnswer: The appr... Read more
Reader Questions:
NPI Deadlines Still Loom -- Be Prepared
Question: I'm still confused about what the May 23 deadline is for the NPI changes. What d... Read more
NPI Deadlines Still Loom -- Be Prepared
Question: I'm still confused about what the May 23 deadline is for the NPI changes. What d... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Cataract Removal With Vitrectomy
Question: One of our ophthalmic surgeons performed a vitrectomy (67005) for a vitreous pro... Read more
Cataract Removal With Vitrectomy
Question: One of our ophthalmic surgeons performed a vitrectomy (67005) for a vitreous pro... Read more
Bundling Cataract Removal and Trabeculotomy? Not Anymore
Plus: You can start reporting the new retinal detachment repair code with IOL insertionsGo... Read more
Plus: You can start reporting the new retinal detachment repair code with IOL insertionsGo... Read more
Compliance:
Avoid Locum Tenens Audit Trouble With Documentation
Use computerization, special file to keep track of temp doctorA locum tenens physician may... Read more
Avoid Locum Tenens Audit Trouble With Documentation
Use computerization, special file to keep track of temp doctorA locum tenens physician may... Read more
When Is Cataract Removal 'Complex'?
Don't miss these 66982 coding clues that could earn your practice over $270When an ophthal... Read more
Don't miss these 66982 coding clues that could earn your practice over $270When an ophthal... Read more
Quick Quiz:
How Far Does Your EO Knowledge Extend? Find Out
Score your extended ophthalmoscopy coding expertiseIf your ophthalmic practice is like mos... Read more
How Far Does Your EO Knowledge Extend? Find Out
Score your extended ophthalmoscopy coding expertiseIf your ophthalmic practice is like mos... Read more
Reader Questions:
Add Modifier 52 for Unilateral VF
Question: I'm confused about coding for visual fields (VF). The code description says "uni... Read more
Add Modifier 52 for Unilateral VF
Question: I'm confused about coding for visual fields (VF). The code description says "uni... Read more
Reader Questions:
Choose Diagnosis by Severity of Retinopathy
Question: A patient with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy reports to the optometrist ... Read more
Choose Diagnosis by Severity of Retinopathy
Question: A patient with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy reports to the optometrist ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Stick to V2521 for Astigmatic Contacts
Question: Which code should we use for monthly replacement toric contacts? We have been us... Read more
Stick to V2521 for Astigmatic Contacts
Question: Which code should we use for monthly replacement toric contacts? We have been us... Read more
Reader Questions:
Draw Complete ROS Picture
Question: What are the differences among the "review of systems" levels for the E/M codes?... Read more
Draw Complete ROS Picture
Question: What are the differences among the "review of systems" levels for the E/M codes?... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Split Postoperative Cataract Care
Question: We have an ophthalmic surgeon who performs cataract surgery and then turns the p... Read more
Split Postoperative Cataract Care
Question: We have an ophthalmic surgeon who performs cataract surgery and then turns the p... Read more
Coding Lucentis for Wet AMD With J3490? Read This First
Also: Follow carrier rules for Avastin treatments -- or risk losing $57 a dose Good ne... Read more
Also: Follow carrier rules for Avastin treatments -- or risk losing $57 a dose Good ne... Read more
E/M Basics:
Make Sure Service Is 'Separate' Before You Use Modifier 25
How do you know when E/M is 'inherent'? Find out hereWhen an ophthalmologist performs an E... Read more
Make Sure Service Is 'Separate' Before You Use Modifier 25
How do you know when E/M is 'inherent'? Find out hereWhen an ophthalmologist performs an E... Read more
Hone Your Critical Care Coding Skills Now
Watch for life-threatening conditions before reporting 99291-99292Your ophthalmologist doc... Read more
Watch for life-threatening conditions before reporting 99291-99292Your ophthalmologist doc... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware Reporting Fundus Photos With HRT
Question: Can I report a fundus photo and a Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) on the same ... Read more
Beware Reporting Fundus Photos With HRT
Question: Can I report a fundus photo and a Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) on the same ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Find Medical Problem in Patient's Good Eye
Question: A patient with one good eye and one prosthetic eye came in for a yearly check. S... Read more
Find Medical Problem in Patient's Good Eye
Question: A patient with one good eye and one prosthetic eye came in for a yearly check. S... Read more
Reader Questions:
Look to Eyelid Code for Pseudostrabismus
Question: What ICD-9 code should I report for a diagnosis of pseudostrabismus?California S... Read more
Look to Eyelid Code for Pseudostrabismus
Question: What ICD-9 code should I report for a diagnosis of pseudostrabismus?California S... Read more
Reader Questions:
Blepharitis Type Drives Diagnosis Coding
Question: What is the proper ICD-9 code for patients with blepharitis?Tennessee Subscriber... Read more
Blepharitis Type Drives Diagnosis Coding
Question: What is the proper ICD-9 code for patients with blepharitis?Tennessee Subscriber... Read more
Reader Questions:
CMS Says No-Show Fee Is OK -- Sometimes
Question: What is Medicare's billing policy for missed appointments?Wisconsin SubscriberAn... Read more
CMS Says No-Show Fee Is OK -- Sometimes
Question: What is Medicare's billing policy for missed appointments?Wisconsin SubscriberAn... Read more
Reader Questions:
Correct Claims for More Than Just Money
Question: On two occasions within the past few months, our billing department submitted cl... Read more
Correct Claims for More Than Just Money
Question: On two occasions within the past few months, our billing department submitted cl... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Repeat YAG Capsulotomy
Question: The doctor performed a YAG laser capsulotomy. Six months later, during a return ... Read more
Repeat YAG Capsulotomy
Question: The doctor performed a YAG laser capsulotomy. Six months later, during a return ... Read more
Version 14.0 Update:
Incorporate CCI Edits Into New Retinal Coding -- or Face a Slew of Denials
The latest round of bundling targets many of the new eye surgery codesWith more than 10,00... Read more
Incorporate CCI Edits Into New Retinal Coding -- or Face a Slew of Denials
The latest round of bundling targets many of the new eye surgery codesWith more than 10,00... Read more
Go Beyond Routine Coding for Extended Ophthalmoscopies
Know what qualifies as an EO before adding 92225-92226 to another claimMost ophthalmology ... Read more
Know what qualifies as an EO before adding 92225-92226 to another claimMost ophthalmology ... Read more
Fast Facts About 92225-92226
The extended ophthalmoscopy (EO) codes, 92225 (Ophthalmoscopy, extended, with retinal draw... Read more
The extended ophthalmoscopy (EO) codes, 92225 (Ophthalmoscopy, extended, with retinal draw... Read more
Reader Questions:
Check CCI Bundles With A-Scans
Question: Can I code both the A-scan (76519) and corneal topography (92025) together if we... Read more
Check CCI Bundles With A-Scans
Question: Can I code both the A-scan (76519) and corneal topography (92025) together if we... Read more
Reader Questions:
Don't Automatically Write Off Avastin Injections
Question: What is the proper coding for an intra-vitreal injection of Avastin at the end o... Read more
Don't Automatically Write Off Avastin Injections
Question: What is the proper coding for an intra-vitreal injection of Avastin at the end o... Read more
Reader Questions:
Good News: Your Pay Is Safe for 6 Months
Question: What is the latest on the potential 2008 Medicare fee schedule changes?Missouri ... Read more
Good News: Your Pay Is Safe for 6 Months
Question: What is the latest on the potential 2008 Medicare fee schedule changes?Missouri ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Prepare for 'UHC Meets CCI'
Question: I've heard that I'm going to have to start changing which codes I report to Unit... Read more
Prepare for 'UHC Meets CCI'
Question: I've heard that I'm going to have to start changing which codes I report to Unit... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Corneal Limbal Relaxation
Question: One of our doctors has started performing the corneal limbal relaxing procedure ... Read more
Corneal Limbal Relaxation
Question: One of our doctors has started performing the corneal limbal relaxing procedure ... Read more
Don't Make This Crucial Laser Treatment Coding Mistake
Not knowing the difference between 67228 and 67210 could affect your bottom line Choosing... Read more
Not knowing the difference between 67228 and 67210 could affect your bottom line Choosing... Read more
News You Can Use:
5 Helpful Hints Solidify Your ASC Coding
Know the modifiers, allowable codes for ASC payment This year is a year of change when it... Read more
5 Helpful Hints Solidify Your ASC Coding
Know the modifiers, allowable codes for ASC payment This year is a year of change when it... Read more
Quick Quiz:
Are You Up to Speed on the 2008 CPT Changes? Find Out Fast
5 questions help you get a grip on this year's changes and avoid catastrophes Still tryin... Read more
Are You Up to Speed on the 2008 CPT Changes? Find Out Fast
5 questions help you get a grip on this year's changes and avoid catastrophes Still tryin... Read more
Quick Quiz Answers:
Are You Up to Speed on the 2008 CPT Changes? Find Out Fast
Answer 1: D. This year CPT deleted 67038 (Vitrectomy, mechanical, pars plana approach; wi... Read more
Are You Up to Speed on the 2008 CPT Changes? Find Out Fast
Answer 1: D. This year CPT deleted 67038 (Vitrectomy, mechanical, pars plana approach; wi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Rule-Out Diagnosis Coding Is a No-No
Question: My ophthalmologist occasionally sees patients, and instead of coming to a concl... Read more
Rule-Out Diagnosis Coding Is a No-No
Question: My ophthalmologist occasionally sees patients, and instead of coming to a concl... Read more
Reader Questions:
Capture Each Step of Excision, Reconstruction
Question: To save time in the operating room, I bring malignant lesions to the office eit... Read more
Capture Each Step of Excision, Reconstruction
Question: To save time in the operating room, I bring malignant lesions to the office eit... Read more
Reader Questions:
New Physician Doesn't Mean New Patient
Question: We have a new ophthalmologist in our group whose patients from his previous gro... Read more
New Physician Doesn't Mean New Patient
Question: We have a new ophthalmologist in our group whose patients from his previous gro... Read more
You Be the Coder:
In-Office Complication Treatment
Question: One week ago, an ophthalmologist in our practice performed a trabeculectomy on ... Read more
In-Office Complication Treatment
Question: One week ago, an ophthalmologist in our practice performed a trabeculectomy on ... Read more
CPT 2008 Update:
Don't Wait -- Update Your Coding Now With Retinal, Dilation Changes and More
Plus, you may finally get paid for ocular photoscreening January is the time to implement... Read more
Don't Wait -- Update Your Coding Now With Retinal, Dilation Changes and More
Plus, you may finally get paid for ocular photoscreening January is the time to implement... Read more
CPT 2008 Update:
Include NPP in Team Conference Coding
There's 1 scenario the new codes won't cover -- we'll tell you what it is Come January, y... Read more
Include NPP in Team Conference Coding
There's 1 scenario the new codes won't cover -- we'll tell you what it is Come January, y... Read more
Don't Forget the Retina Surgery Changes
CPT 2008 deleted vitrectomy code 67038 (Vitrectomy, mechanical, pars plana approach; with ... Read more
CPT 2008 deleted vitrectomy code 67038 (Vitrectomy, mechanical, pars plana approach; with ... Read more
CPT 2008 Update:
Increase Documentation for Modifier 22
Good news: You'll have an easier time choosing 58, 76 or 78 this year The five-digit CPT ... Read more
Increase Documentation for Modifier 22
Good news: You'll have an easier time choosing 58, 76 or 78 this year The five-digit CPT ... Read more
'Reference' Nursing Facility Changes
CPT 2008 will add reference times to several E/M code categories -- specifically nursing f... Read more
CPT 2008 will add reference times to several E/M code categories -- specifically nursing f... Read more
Reader Questions:
Count on Full Pay per Eye for 92235
Question: Can I report 92235 times two, bilateral eyes for each visit? Per the 2007 Codin... Read more
Count on Full Pay per Eye for 92235
Question: Can I report 92235 times two, bilateral eyes for each visit? Per the 2007 Codin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Interpretation Equals 26 Regardless of POS
Question: A physician in a hospital-based clinic (not private practice) saw a patient for... Read more
Interpretation Equals 26 Regardless of POS
Question: A physician in a hospital-based clinic (not private practice) saw a patient for... Read more
Reader Questions:
Avoid J2001 for Minor In-Office Procedures
Question: Is there a code we should bill for subcutaneous lidocaine or lidocaine with epi... Read more
Avoid J2001 for Minor In-Office Procedures
Question: Is there a code we should bill for subcutaneous lidocaine or lidocaine with epi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Hospital Visit With No Exam
Question: The ophthalmologist saw a newborn in the hospital as a consult and found the pa... Read more
Hospital Visit With No Exam
Question: The ophthalmologist saw a newborn in the hospital as a consult and found the pa... Read more