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Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Reader questions:

VF & Temp Plugs: How Many Modifiers?

Published on Thu Mar 10, 2011

Question: A patient came in for visual field (VF) tests. During the same visit, the ophthalmologist put in temporary plugs. Can we get paid for all services on the same day? I know the office visit needs a modifier. Do I need to put one on the VF, too?Florida SubscriberAnswer: Provided the optometrist made the decision to perform the tests during this visit, you may bill for the office visit and the testing. You should be able to get paid for all services using three modifiers -- one on the office visit as you indicated, and one on each plug code. You do not need a modifier on the VF (92081-92083, Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report ...).Warning: If the patient was scheduled to come in for the VF testing as the result of a previous office visit, you should bill only the VF testing.Unless there is [...]
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