Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
You Be the Coder:
Bilateral Eyelid Procedures
Published on Mon Jul 14, 2014
Question: Should I append modifier 50 to 67820 for a bilateral procedure?
Georgia Subscriber
Answer: Modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) is generally used on procedures on paired organs like the eyes. However, CPT® code 67820 (Correction of trichiasis; epilation, by forceps only) describes a procedure done on the eyelids, which are not paired organs — there are four eyelids, not two. Medicare prefers that you use modifiers E1-E4 to designate eyelids:
Other Articles in this issue of
Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
- Cataracts:
Simple Solutions for Complex Cataract Coding
Our expert answers for your frequently-asked 66982 questions. With cataracts affecting nearly 22 million Americans [...] - ICD-10:
Get to Know the New Senile Cataract Codes
In 2015, your diagnosis coding will specify condition as well as which eye is affected. [...] - Compliance:
OIG Considers Expanding Civil Monetary Penalties
You could be subject to penalties for five additional reasons if the proposal is finalized. [...] - HIPAA:
Let This Example Show You What Not to Do With Your BAs
Warning: You can be responsible for your BA’s violations. Your practice has a solid HIPAA [...] - Reader Question:
Include Non-Serial Tonometry in Exam
Question: Our ophthalmologist renders single-episode tonometry services on her patients, specifically air puff and indentation tonometry. [...] - Reader Question:
Assess Risk on a Regular Basis
Question: We are having a bit of a debate in our practice. Some of us think [...] - Reader Question:
Slow Patient Won't Justify Timely Filing Exception
Question: Our patient gave us her Medicare card but said Medicare was her secondary payer. She [...] - Reader Question:
Learn The Method to Determine Reimbursement Using RVUs
Question: Using the RVUs provided for a particular code, how do I arrive at the appropriate [...] - You Be the Coder:
Bilateral Eyelid Procedures
Question: Should I append modifier 50 to 67820 for a bilateral procedure? Georgia Subscriber Answer: Modifier 50 [...]
View All
