Wiki Retinopathy and Diabetes

[BelkisE]

If a patient has Diabetes, can the PCP make a diagnosis of Retinopathy or that condition can be only diagnosed by an Opthtalmologist? In the medical Record the MD documents Retinopathy but there is no report from an Opthtalmologist.
Thank you,

 

[rhotonscott]

Of course the PCP can make a Dx of diabetic retinopathy- they will refer to Ophtho for the progression (PDR/NPDR), treatment (laser/Avastin, etc)and to do baseline diagnostics(OCT/Fundus photos, etc). If no other Dx than "Diabetic Retinopathy" is given then 250.5X *Default codes 250.50, 362.01 unless they state if type/uncontrolled; in which case you're fifth digit changes.