Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
You Be the Coder:
Jones Tube Cleaning
Published on Sun Jan 09, 2005
Question: How should I code for the cleaning of a Jones tube? Our patients usually come in once a year to have the tube removed, cleaned and then reinserted.
Wisconsin Subscriber
Answer: There is no CPT code for cleaning an inserted item like the Jones tube. The only option is billing an unlisted-procedure code - reporting 92499 (Unlisted ophthalmological service or procedure) or 68899 (Unlisted procedure, lacrimal system) - and then describing the procedure in the comments or in Box 19 of the claim form.
Don't miss: You should have patients sign an advance beneficiary notice informing them they will be responsible for payment if Medicare considers the procedure not medically necessary.
Other Articles in this issue of
Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert
- Coding IOL Masters and A-Scans Together? Read This First
Tricky technical and professional components could cost you $86 per patient
When your ophthalmologist plans to [...] - Powerfully Document Necessity For IOL Power Calculations
Don't let faulty diagnosis coding shortchange your claims
Medicare covers IOL calculation procedures for patients about [...] - E/M Brushup:
Don't Sell Yourself Short by Underestimating MDM
4 steps help you fight downcoding by assessing medical decision-making
If you underestimate your ophthalmologist's medical [...] - Quick Quiz:
Get a Grip on New Ophthalmology Codes and Bundles
5 questions to put your knowledge of CPT 2005 and NCCI 11.0 to the test
Still [...] - You Be the Coder:
Jones Tube Cleaning
Question: How should I code for the cleaning of a Jones tube? Our patients usually [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Don't Code Fundus Photos Bilaterally for Medicare
Question: Is it appropriate to append modifier -50 to code 92250? Our new software program [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Fall Back on Unlisted-Procedure Code for Intacs
Question: I need a more specific CPT code for billing intacs. I have used 66999 [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Pay Attention to Global for Focal Laser
Question: A diabetic patient underwent focal laser treatment and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in both eyes. [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Line Up Modifiers Without -99
Question: Medicare is denying payment for cataract surgery on the second eye. I learned a [...]
View All
