Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Answer: Yes, for these purposes, the eye exam codes are the same as evaluation and management (E/M) services codes. Use modifier -24 (unrelated E/M service by the same physician during a postoperative period) if you see a patient in the office during the postoperative period for another surgery and the reason you are seeing the patient is unrelated to the surgery. For example, if you perform cataract surgery on the left eye, and two weeks later the patient comes to your office complaining of blurry vision in the right eye, you will need to use modifier -24 on the eye exam code, or payment will be denied. (Use the -LT and -RT modifiers as well.)