Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: If a patient comes in with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and we perform gonioscopy, a visual field examination, and ophthalmic diagnostic imaging, can we code the gonioscopy with the other procedures? And if we do, would we append modifier 59 to the gonioscopy?

AAPC Forum Participant

Answer: In this situation, you can bill all three procedures, including the gonioscopy. Your coding for this would be:

• 92020 (Gonioscopy (separate procedure))
• 92083 (Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; extended examination …)
• 92134 (Scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging, posterior segment, with interpretation and report, unilateral or bilateral; retina)

As there are no bundling issues with these services, there is no need to append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to the 92020 or any other modifier to any of the other procedures for that matter.