Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: How often will Medicare allow visual field testing (92081-92083) on a patient?California SubscriberAnswer: Generally, Medicare allows visual field testing (92081- 92083, Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report ...) once a year for glaucoma patients -- but if you test more frequently, you'd better be sure your documentation can back up the patient's disease progress and the need for additional testing.CMS has established guidelines for how often you can perform visual fields on a patient. The allowed testing frequency is based on the severity of the disease process, as follows:Glaucoma suspect or mild damage with good control: Visual field once every 12 months. "If unique clinical circumstance prevents secure establishment of a baseline with the initial study, a second study within the first 12 months may be obtained with appropriate documentation of medical necessity," Medicare says.Glaucoma with moderate/advanced damage, good control: Once every 12 months. Medicare defines [...]