Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
Use V Code to Check for Steroid Effects
Question: We're starting to see patients for visual field testing to check for adverse effects from the steroids they take to treat their rheumatoid arthritis. What's the correct way to code these visits?
Maine Subscriber
Answer: Link the visual field procedure code - either 92081 (Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; limited examination), 92082 (... intermediate examination) or 92083 (... extended examination) - to V58.65 (Encounter for other and unspecified procedures and aftercare; long-term [current] drug use; long-term [current] use of steroids) as a primary diagnosis.
If, however, the medical necessity for the visual field test is increased intraocular pressure due to a patient's adverse reaction to steroids, you should list ICD-9 code 365.03 (Borderline glaucoma [glaucoma suspect]; steroid responders) as a primary diagnosis.
Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
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