Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Because your ophthalmologist performs the VF testing twice, you may be tempted to code the service twice. Unfortunately, with some payers you can bill only once for the VF test. You should use 92082 (Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; intermediate examination [e.g., at least 2 isopters on Goldmann perimeter, or semiquantitative, automated suprathreshold screening program, Humphrey suprathreshold automatic diagnostic test, Octopus program 33]) to show the work of drawing two isopters (the graphic representation of the patient's field of vision).

Alternative: Some carriers will reimburse you for both tests because they mandate two VF tests, which requires extra work by the ophthalmologist. In this case, you should append modifier 76 (Repeat procedure by same physician) to the second test and report 92082 and 92082-76. You can add comments in Block 19 of the claim form to indicate "taped and untaped."

Best bet: Ask your local carrier how you should code these two tests.