Caution: Bilateral modifiers may not be appropriate When you see words such as "ultrasound," "mode" or "biometry" in your ophthalmologist's documentation, you should automatically start thinking of coding an A-scan. But if you don't know the difference between the two types of scans or which terms apply, you're bound to select the wrong code and set yourself up for denials. The slight nuances between code descriptors determine whether a code applies. They also govern the rules for reporting the scan if it's bilateral. "Scans have always been a big problem for us billers," says You have several codes to choose from, including the following diagnostic ultrasound codes: --76510 -- Differentiate A From B
Your first step in determining your coding choice is to break the ultrasound codes down into two categories: A-scans and B-scans. Your ophthalmologist might use A-scans to differentiate between various intraocular tumors, to measure tumor size, or to differentiate other intraocular and orbital pathology. Don't Fret Over Bilateral Scans If your ophthalmologist performs an A-scan on each eye, you'll need to consider appending a bilateral modifier to the correct code. You'll see that codes 76510, 76511 and 76513 all have a modifier indicator of "3." This means that the usual payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does not apply to that code. Therefore, you should report the procedure bilaterally using the appropriate modifier and expect to be paid the full amount for each side. Code 76516 has a modifier indicator of "2," which means that the code Codes 76519 and 92136 also have a modifier indicator of "2" -- but it applies only to the technical component (TC) of the service, says
--76511 -- .. quantitative A-scan only
--76512 -- ... B-scan (with or without superimposed non-quantitative A-scan)
--76513 -- ... anterior segment ultrasound, immersion (water bath) B-scan or high-resolution biomicroscopy
--76516 -- Ophthalmic biometry by ultrasound echography, A-scan
--76519 -- ... with intraocular lens power calculation
--92136 -- Ophthalmic biometry by partial coherence interferometry with intraocular lens power calculation.
A-scan technology implies a one-dimensional measurement procedure; B-scan implies a two-dimensional procedure.