Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
Don't Confuse PAM With VEP
Question: Is 95930 the correct procedure code for potential visual acuity meter? Can this code be billed with a comprehensive exam code?
Ohio Subscriber
Answer: There is no CPT code for the potential acuity meter (PAM) test, also known as the Guyton-Minkowski Potential Acuity Meter. Medicare carriers consider PAM to be an integral part of the evaluation and management service; therefore, they will not reimburse PAM separately from an eye exam or E/M visit.
Ophthalmologists often use PAM to estimate potential vision prior to cataract surgery. The PAM projects an eye chart directly onto the retina, bypassing the cloudy lens, giving the ophthalmologist a way to see how much the patient's vision may improve after surgery.
Code 95930 (Visual evoked potential [VEP] testing central nervous system, checkerboard or flash) describes a neurological test in which electrodes measure the electrical activity in the visual pathways of the patient's brain. The VEP can evaluate conditions like optic neuritis, optic tumors and multiple sclerosis.
Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
- NCCI 12.1 Update:
Chill Your Hopes of Coding Moderate Sedation With Cyclocryotherapy
New National Correct Coding Initiative edits also bundle 99143-99144 into most E/M codes
Bad news: The [...] - You Be the Coder:
FP for Diabetic Patient
Question: We submitted a claim for 99204 and 92250 to Medicare. The diagnosis code for [...] - Master Eyelid Modifiers for Chalazions and Epilations
Code by eye or by eyelid? CPT rules help--but carriers have the final answer
A patient [...] - Modify Wisely to Earn $280 More For Bilateral Entropion Repairs
Tip: If the code definition includes 'upper' or 'lower,' omit E1-E4
Should [...] - News You Can Use:
Prepare for a New Crackdown On Consult Coding
Learn how a simple fax can keep you compliant with documentation rules
Now's the time to [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Confuse PAM With VEP
Question: Is 95930 the correct procedure code for potential visual acuity meter? Can this code [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Count Wasted Botox on Last Patient's Claim
Question: Our practice is using Botox to treat strabismus. I think we should use 67345, [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Count Global Days Before Appending 57
Question: A patient presents with an eyelid lesion, which the ophthalmologist excised. Aetna denied the [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Include Schirmer's Test in Exam
Question: Is there a code for a Schirmer's tear test other then the generic 92499? [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Nonphysician Staff Can Perform History Element
Question: Must the ophthalmologist take a patient's history, or can a tech or other nonphysician [...]
