Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: How should I bill for an interpretation of visual fields and performing the procedure?

Washington Subscriber

Answer: There is no separate code for interpreting visual fields if the interpretation and the test are performed on the same day. If the interpretation takes place on a different day, use the code for the type of field done. The payment for visual fields codes 92081 (Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; limited examination [e.g., tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or single stimulus level automated test, such as Octopus 3 or 7 equivalent]), 92082 ( intermediate examination [e.g., at least 2 isopters on Goldmann perimeter, or semiquantitative, automated suprathreshold screening program, Humphrey suprathreshold automatic diagnostic test, Octopus program 33]) and 92083 ( extended examination [e.g., Goldmann visual fields with at least 3 isopters plotted and static determination within the central 30 degrees, or quantitative, automated threshold perimetry, Octopus program G-1, 32 or 42, Humphrey visual field analyzer full threshold programs 30-2, 24-2, or 30/60-2]) includes the interpretation.
 
To bill for the test if you do not do the interpretation, append modifier -TC (Technical component) to the appropriate visual field code. Then, when another ophthalmologist performs the interpretation, he or she will bill the same code with modifier -26 (Professional component). The total fee for both filings will equal the fee for the unmodified code.