Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

As a reflection of the extra work involved for complex cataract surgery, the American Medical Association (AMA)/Specialty Society RVS Update Committee (RUC) has approved a new work value for this surgery, which hopefully will lead to the establishment of a new code. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) requested the new code at the November 1999 CPT annual panel meeting.

This new code is necessary because our survey data from ophthalmologists show that this procedure, though not common, requires much more physician time and skill in caring for these patients, says Michael Repka, MD, health policy committee chair of the AAO and CPT panel advisor. This new code is mandatory to ensure fair reimbursement for ophthalmologists.

There are also recommendations for higher practice expense payments for corneal transplants and for various office-based lid procedures, thanks to the AAOs efforts at this years RUC meetings. These recommendations have been forwarded to the Health Care Financing Administration, which will decide whether to include them in the 2001 fee schedule.