Optometry Coding & Billing Alert

Published on Tue Sep 18, 2007 PDF

Question: Some CPT code descriptions include the phrase -separate procedure.- What does this mean and how does it affect coding?


Florida Subscriber

Answer: The phrase -separate procedure- designates codes that are -commonly carried out as an integral component of a total service,- according to CPT. You should not report such a code in addition to the code for the total procedure or service for which it is considered an integral component.

Ophthalmic tests designated as a -separate procedure- include:

- 92020 for gonioscopy
- 92060 for quantitative sensorimotor exam
- 92100 for serial tonometry.

Answers to You Be the Coder, Reader Questions and Building a Better Business reviewed by David Gibson, OD, FAAO, practicing optometrist in Lubbock, Texas.