Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Still trying to digest all the CPT 2008 changes? This quiz will help you determine whether you're on the right track with the new ophthalmology codes or if you should crack open your 2008 CPT manual and take another look.

Hint: You can find all the quiz answers in one of these six past Ophthalmology Coding Alert articles:

Question 1: Your ophthalmologist performs a mechanical vitrectomy and removes the subretinal membrane. During the same session, the physician also performs endolaser coagulation and uses long-acting gas for internal tamponade. How should you report these procedures?

Question 2: An ophthalmologist in your group performs a complex retinal detachment repair that includes a vitrectomy and neovascular membrane peeling. Which code(s) should you report?

Question 3: The ophthalmologist documents that he performed ocular photoscreening to screen for myopia. What is the best code to report?

Question 4: A new patient with blurry vision comes to your office on Wednesday. The ophthalmologist does a complete workup, resulting in a level-three new patient E/M visit (99203, Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient ...). Three days later, the ophthalmologist calls the patient to see how he's doing, to discuss questions the patient had and to recommend a follow-up appointment. He spends 17 minutes on the phone with the patient. Which code should you report for the physician's telephone service?

Question 5: A patient who was in a motor vehicle accident presents at the hospital with multiple injuries. Because of the varied injuries, the patient requires the services of more than one specialist type to determine the best course and treatment plan. The physician assistant from your ophthalmology practice meets with the family, a neurologist and a plastic surgeon for 45 minutes to assess all issues involved in providing patient care and coordinating surgical services. How should you report this service?

Check yourself: Read page 15 of this issue to see if you know the latest round of coding changes from CPT.