Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: How often can a gonioscopy test be performed on a patient?

Maine Subscriber

Answer: The frequency of gonioscopy examinations (92020, Gonioscopy [separate procedure]) carried out on glaucoma suspect patients largely depends on medical necessity to justify such tests. The frequency of testing that may be performed and filed for reimbursement is a common concern expressed by physicians. The American Academy of Ophthalmology's (AAO) Preferred Practice Patterns suggests that practitioners repeat gonioscopy testing periodically, every one to five years.

A follow-up test is necessary upon evidence of new symptoms, progressive disease, new findings, unreliable prior results, or a change in treatment plan. As a rule, additional testing is justified when the information garnered from the eye examination is not adequate to assess the patient's disease progression completely.

Watch out: If a patient has a history of glaucoma and the ocular examination reveals an unstable or worsening condition, then more extensive testing may be justified. A patient with a stable visual field is less likely to require testing than someone with an uncontrolled condition.