Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Also: Despite new codes, eye exams are still bundled into critical care. If your ophthalmic surgeons are performing the relatively new endothelial keratoplasty (EK) procedures for corneal transplants, watch out. There are some restrictions on what other codes you can report along with 65756 (Keratoplasty [corneal transplant]; endothelial). Every quarter, the Correct Coding Initiative publishes a list of code pairs ("bundles") that coders should not report together for the same patient on the same date of service. There are 23 codes you should not be reporting along with 65756, according to CCI Version 15.0, which became effective in January. CCI bundles many injection and infusion procedures as components of EK, including 67500 (Retrobulbar injection; medication [separate procedure, does not include supply of medication]). Code 65756 now also includes corneal topography code 92025 (Computerized corneal topography, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report). "Physicians typically will perform corneal topography as part [...]