Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Diagnosis Code for Replaced Implants

Question: A patient had a poor visual result from a multifocal implant and had it replaced with a single vision implant. What diagnosis code should we use?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: Since the vision problem is a complication from the multifocal lens implant surgery, the ICD-9 category of 996 (complications peculiar to certain specified procedures) for complication of surgical and medical care, not elsewhere classified, should be used. In this case, the appropriate ICD-9 code is 996.79 (due to other internal prosthetic device, implant and graft). Since this is a complication of surgery, a V-code would not be appropriate.
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 Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 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

Other Articles in this issue of

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

View All