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Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

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Code Misdirected Eyelashes in the Right Direction

Published on Sat Nov 21, 2009

Question: What are the correct modifiers for 67820? Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: Code 67820 (Correction of trichiasis; epilation, by forceps only) applies to the removal of misdirected eyelashes. Medicare assigned the bilateral indicator "1" for 67820. Retroactive to Jan. 1, 2005, the bilateral indicator for 67825 has been changed to "1." Due to this, both codes are now treated the same. This change has an impact on how this service is reimbursed. The changes made effective in 2005 permit reimbursement per eye rather than per session as was the case in 2004. The rule on multiple surgery applies, so payment will be based on 150 percent of the allowed amount if both eyes are treated. You would report these modifiers with 67820: • E1 if the epilation is carried out on the upper left eyelid • E2 if on the lower left eyelid • E3 if on the upper right eyelid [...]
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