Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Question: How should I code for Botox injections to treat strabismus?

Tennessee Subscriber

Answer: When your ophthalmologist injects botulinum toxin into the affected muscle, preventing it from contracting and allowing the opposing muscle to bring the eye into the correct position, report 67345 (Chemodenervation of extraocular muscle). Remember to include the code for the drug, J0585 (Injection, onabotulinumtoxinA, 1 unit), and indicate the number of units used. Report the wastage on a separate claim line using modifier JW (Drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient).