Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Learn the truth behind these common EO misconceptions and earn $25 per procedure.It's a common procedure, performed thousands of times each year in ophthalmology offices -- but coding and billing for extended ophthalmoscopy is hardly straightforward. Misconceptions about EO can be costly: The procedure pays about $25 each time (based on unadjusted RVUs), so mistakes can add up. Read on to see if one of the following EO myths could be taking money out of your practice's pockets.Many ophthalmology coders aren't clear on when it's appropriate to report 92225(Ophthalmoscopy, extended, with retinal drawing [e.g., for retinal detachment, melanoma], with interpretation and report; initial) or 92226 (...subsequent).Myth #1: EO is inherently unilateral; carriers will pay twice the fee schedule amount for one eye if you report EO bilaterally.Reality: Carriers will not pay double for bilateral EO unless you can justify medical necessity for performing EO on both eyes. If you've diagnosed a [...]