Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: What is the postoperative period for trabeculoplasty?

Ohio Subscriber

Answer: As of this year, the postoperative period for 65855 (Trabeculoplasty by laser surgery, one or more sessions [defined treatment series]) is 10 days. Previously, it was 90 days. The change makes sense because trabeculoplasties are often performed in two parts. Frequently, the entire 360 degrees is not performed at one time because this could raise the pressure. The standard protocol is to do 180 degrees first and the remaining 180 degrees in a later session. This reduces the amount of laser energy entering the eye. The reduced postoperative period now facilitates coding 65855 more frequently.