Primary Care Coding Alert

Question: Our physician performed a fluorescein staining for detecting a corneal abrasion. How should I report this?

Georgia Subscriber

Answer: Fluorescein staining involves using an orange dye (fluorescein) and a special light to detect foreign bodies in the eye or damage to the corneal surface. Unfortunately, the fluorescein codes in CPT (92230, 92235 and 92287) are for more complex procedures than the family physician performs in the office.

There is no additional code in CPT for fluorescein staining. Therefore, you should include the physician's work performing the staining in the E/M service your physician provides.