Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Remember: Codes 76511-TC, 76512-TC, and 76513-TC (Ophthalmic ultrasound, diagnostic ...) all require direct provider supervision, which means the ordering physician, or a physician member of the group practice, must be present in the office suite and he must be available to offer guidance and direction if needed during the service.

Direct supervision means the ophthalmologist must be in the suite of offices, just not necessarily in the room where the procedure is being rendered.

Code 76516-TC and 76519-TC require general supervision, which means there must be an order in the medical record for the procedure. However, a physician is not required to be present or available during the procedure.