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Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Choose Diagnosis by Severity of Retinopathy

Published on Thu Apr 24, 2008

Question: A patient with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy reports to the optometrist for scanning laser glaucoma testing (SLGT). What is the proper diagnosis coding for this visit?Arkansas SubscriberAnswer: The diagnosis code you report depends on the retinopathy's severity. ICD-9 has several codes for the condition.Do this: Check the doctor's encounter notes to see if you can find any more information on the type of retinopathy.Then, choose one of the following diagnosis codes:• 362.03 -- Nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy NOS• 362.04 -- Mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy• 362.05 -- Moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy• 362.06 -- Severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.Regardless of which diagnosis you choose, be sure to report 92135 (Scanning computerized ophthalmic diag-nostic imaging, posterior segment [e.g., scanning laser] with interpretation and report, unilateral) for the scanning.
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