Advanced Search

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Pterygium Excision With Amniotic Graft

Published on Sat Jun 28, 2008

Question: Our ophthalmologist performed a pterygium excision with an amniotic graft. But I'm not sure which code to report -- 65426 describes the pterygium excision, but CPT 65780 describes the membrane transplantation. Can I report both?Washington Subscriber
Answer: Report 65780 (Ocular surface reconstruction; amniotic membrane transplantation) alone. The Correct Coding Initiative bundles that code with 65426 (Excision or transposition of pterygium; with graft). If you attempt to bill both codes separately, your carrier will pay only 65426. In this case, the pterygium removal is part of the ocular surface reconstruction.Although 65426 may also generally describe the procedure, CPT introduced 65780-65782 in 2004 specifically to describe ocular surface reconstruction using stem cells obtained from living or non-living donor grafts. Medicare will also reimburse more for 65780 (20.48 facility RVUs) than for 65426 (10.89 facility RVUs).The facility should report HCPCS code V2790 (Amniotic membrane for surgical reconstruction, per procedure) for the supply of the donor tissue.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

View All