Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
KnowYour AMD Terms
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the deterioration of the macula, the central area of the retina thats responsible for straight ahead vision. AMD progresses from dry to wet, so be sure you know whats included in each category before you begin coding. Dry AMD (362.51, Nonexudative senile macular degeneration): Patients have dry AMD first, with the cells of the macula slowly breaking down. (Dry AMD is diagnosed in approximately 85 percent of cases.) The condition usually affects both eyes, though they will not be at the same stage of disease simultaneously. Drusen, yellow deposits under the retina, are common early signs of dry AMD. The disease progresses as the number of drusen increase. Wet AMD (362.52, Exudative senile macular degeneration): Over time, AMD shifts from dry to wet. The dry form worsens as more drusen is deposited. Tiny abnormal blood vessels form and leak fluid and blood, which leads to the name wet. The wet form progresses rapidly and causes more damage.
Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
- Don't Let AMD Reimbursement Fade Away
Focus on 3 key areas to keep your claims on track. Nearly 2 million Americans [...] - Use These Modifiers for Accurate AMD Claims
As with other ophthalmology services, the wrong modifier can wreck an AMD claim. Finish your [...] - Distinguish Between AMD Treatments:
Here's How
Get the lowdown on pros and cons for some of the more accepted options. Understanding [...] - NewsYou Can Use:
CMS Expects Practices to Use New HIPAA 5010 Form by 2012
Hint:Your ophthalmology practice wont be able to submit ICD-10 codes without this new form, so [...] - You Be the Coder :
Office VisitWith Vision Training
Question: Can we submit 99213 for an office visit and 92065 for vision training on [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Stick With E/M for Suture Removal
Question: Is there a code for when the ophthalmologist removes stitches from an eyelid? The [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Modifier 50: MedicareWants Single-Line Entry
Question: I need some information on billing bilateral procedures. For Medicare, should I report the [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
UsingWrong Lesion Size Can Shrink Payment
Question: When determining the size of an excised lesion, should I go by the operative [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
67311 Doesn't Require Surgery on Same Muscle
Question: One of our doctors operated on a vertical muscle of the right eye. Later, [...] - READER QUESTIONS :
Specify Tech vs. PhysicianWith Lens Codes
Question: My ophthalmologist sees routine patients for services such as contact lens fittings. Whats the [...] - Correction:
An article in Vol. 12, No. 3 of the Ophthalmology Coding Alert, Prevent Uni-Bi Reporting [...] - Dry vs.Wet:
KnowYour AMD Terms
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the deterioration of the macula, the central area of the [...]
