Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

As of CPT 2001, ophthalmologists will have a new CPT code to use for coding complicated cataract surgery. The code and descriptor will be released when the American Medical Association (AMA) releases CPT, but Michael X. Repka, MD, the American Academy of Ophthalmologys representative to the AMA CPT Advisory Committee, tells us that the code will be for three main circumstances:


cataract surgery in children under the age of or in the amblyopic period;

cataract surgery in a patient with a history of a subluxated lens; or

cataract surgery in a patient with miotic pupils due to glaucoma medication.