Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: What is the HCPCS code for hydroxy apatite implant? Usually the hospital bills for this, but they are requesting that we do it now.

New York Subscriber


Answer: According to the current HCPCS manual, the appropriate codes for hydroxy apatite implant include V2623 (prosthetic eye, plastic, custom), V2628 (fabrication and fitting of ocular conformer), V2629 (prosthetic eye, other type) and L8610 (ocular implant). You should inquire with the hospital to see how they were billing for this implant and why they are now requesting that the physician bills for it. You may be able to help the hospital resolve a reimbursement problem without resorting to buying, stocking and billing for the supply yourself. Check with the sales representative of the implant manufacturer to determine if there are any payment problems being encountered by hospitals.

Remember, to bill for the implant, your practice must have incurred the cost of buying the implant. For Medicare you cannot bill separately for the implant. Medicare does not reimburse ophthalmologic supplies or materials, other than permanent punctal plugs, separately from the global surgery package under Part B benefits.