Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: Can the special ophthalmological services be provided and reported with the general eye codes? Is modifier 25 required on the eye code if the two are performed together?Colorado SubscriberAnswer: You should definitely report the special ophthalmological services (92015-92140) in addition to the general eye codes (92002-92014) if you use eye codes rather than E/M codes to report office visits. Testing services do not require the use of modifier 25 (Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service), because they are not considered minor procedures. Minor procedures have a postoperative period of 0 or 10 days and require that modifier 25 be used on the eye code or E/M service when the definition is met.So if an established patient presents for a comprehensive evaluation of the function of his eye and has an extended ophthalmoscopy, you will need [...]