Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: I understand that a visual field (VF) screening is 92081 and a 30-2 full-threshold exam is 92083. What test corresponds to the VF code 92082?

New York Subscriber

Answer: CPT provides several examples in its definition of 92082 (Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; intermediate examination). Visual field exams that meet CPT's definition of 92082 include the following:

• At least two isopters on the Goldmann perimeter

• Semiquantitative, automated suprathreshold screening program

• Humphrey suprathreshold automatic diagnostic test

• Octopus program 33.

In addition, some Medicare Part B carriers have provided lists of alternative terms that meet the criteria for VF tests 92081-92083. Empire Medicare Services lists "Octopus program 33 or 34 or equivalent" and "Quantity defects strategy (missed points are threshold and depth of defect record" as alternative terminology for 92082.

According to Empire, 92081 (... limited examination [e.g., tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or single stimulus level automated test, such as Octopus 3 or 7 equivalent]) covers the following alternative terminology:

• Single intensity (seen or not seen) strategy

• Three zone strategy (seen, relative or absolute)

• Threshold related (seen or not seen).

For 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]) Empire includes:

• Full threshold strategy

• Full threshold from prior data strategy

• Central full threshold (or from prior data) and kinetic peripheral strategy.

-- Advice for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Maggie M. Mac, CMM, CPC, CMSCS, consulting manager for Pershing, Yoakley and Associates in Clearwater, Fla.