Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Watch out: Different payers may have markedly different rules for coding.A-scan ultrasound biometry is one of the most common procedures performed in ophthalmology offices, but coding them can present you with some uncommon problems.According to CPT, A-scans -- 76511, 76516, and 76519 -- are the shortened names for amplitude modulation scans, "one-dimensional ultrasonic measurement procedures," notes Maggie M. Mac, CPC, CEMC, CHC, CMM, ICCE, Director, Best Practices-Network Operations at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.Ophthalmologists use 76511 (Ophthalmic ultrasound, diagnostic; quantitative A-scan only) to diagnose eye-related complications such as eye tumors, hemorrhages, retinal detachment, etc.Physicians use 76516 (Ophthalmic biometry by ultrasound echography, A-scan) to measure the axial length of the eye in preparation for cataract surgery.And 76519 (Ophthalmic biometry by ultrasound echography, A-scan; with intraocular lens power calculation) allows ophthalmologists to determine the intraocular lens calculation prior to cataract surgery only.Look for Unilateral A-ScansTypically, most A-scans are performed bilaterally. However, circumstances [...]