Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: We are confused by the differences between cryothermy and diathermy from a coding standpoint. Can you differentiate these?

Codify Subscriber

Answer: Fortunately, you can use the same code for both procedures: 67101 (Repair of retinal detachment, 1 or more sessions; cryotherapy or diathermy, including drainage of subretinal fluid, when performed).

During this service, the ophthalmologist uses a probe to seal the detached or torn portion of the retina against the wall of the eye, using either cold (cryotherapy) or heat (diathermy). This is usually performed in the anterior (front) portion of the eye, where lasers cannot be used.

As the code description says, you would report this code for one or more sessions of repair. If, once the treatment period has ended, the patient requires re-treatment several months later due to progression of the disease, then a new treatment period would be defined, and the CPT^® code may be billed again.

Don't miss:  Documentation must be present in the medical record by the provider to define what he believes will be the "treatment period" for the condition.