Advanced Search

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Complications of Surgery

Published on Mon Feb 01, 1999

Question: Postoperatively to a vitrectomy, the patient was returned to the operating room for release of C3F and gas to lower the intraocular pressure. How can this procedure be coded?

B.J. Fowler, MD
Englewood, NJ

Answer: This is considered a complication of surgery, and would be coded 67115-78 (release of encircling material). If you need to add gas at some point because too much has been released, you would use 67110-78 (repair of retinal detachment by injection of air or other gas). The -78 modifier indicates that you returned to the OR for a related procedure during the postoperative period.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

View All