Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: A patient with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy reports to the ophthalmologist for scanning laser glaucoma testing (SLGT). What is the proper diagnosis coding for this visit?

Arkansas Subscriber

Answer: The diagnosis code you report depends on the retinopathy's severity. ICD-9 has several codes to describe the condition.

Do this: Check the encounter notes to see if you can find any more information on the type of retinopathy. Then, choose one of the following diagnosis codes:

• 362.03 -- Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy NOS

• 362.04 -- Mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy

• 362.05 -- Moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy

• 362.06 -- Severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Regardless of which diagnosis you choose, be sure to report 92135 (Scanning computerized ophthalmic  diagnostic imaging, posterior segment [e.g., scanning laser] with interpretation and report, unilateral) to code for the scanning.