Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
No Needle Needed for 65205, 65220
Question: Can we code 65205 or 65220 if we used a cotton swab to remove a foreign body? Or is a needle required to use those codes?
Georgia Subscriber
Answer: You should be able to report CPT® code 65205 (Removal of foreign body, external eye; conjunctival superficial) or 65220 (Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal, without slit lamp) for an FBR with a cotton swab. Although a needle may be used to remove the foreign body, it is not necessary to justify the code. Choose the code depending on the location and level of penetration of the FB in the eye.
However: One code that does specify the equipment used in removing an FB is 65222 (Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal, with slit lamp), which does indicate the equipment used to enhance viewing of the affected area.
Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
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