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Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

FBR:

65205-65222 Coding Success Depends on Location, Penetration Level

Published on Mon Jan 09, 2012

Bonus: Documented embedded corneal FBRs can earn $10 more per procedure. Are you routinely selecting your foreign-body removal (FBR) code based on what instrument the ophthalmologist used? You may be reporting the wrong code -- and collecting the wrong payments. Get the truth behind this and four other FBR myths that routinely trip up your ophthalmology coding colleagues. Myth #1: The type of instrument the ophthalmologist uses determines what foreign-body removal code to report. Reality: The codes in the FBR code series (65205-65222) do not indicate any particular instrument for removing the FB. However, CPT® code 65222 (Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal, with slit lamp) does indicate the equipment used to enhance viewing of the affected area. You should choose a code according to the specific location and level of penetration of the FB in the eye. For example, for the removal of a superficially penetrating FB in the [...]
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