Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
Use V Code to Check for Steroid Effects
PDF
Question: We're starting to see patients for visual field testing to check for adverse effects from the steroids they take to treat their rheumatoid arthritis. What's the correct way to code these visits?
Maine Subscriber
Answer: Link the visual field procedure code - either 92081 (Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; limited examination), 92082 (... intermediate examination) or 92083 (... extended examination) - to V58.65 (Encounter for other and unspecified procedures and aftercare; long-term [current] drug use; long-term [current] use of steroids) as a primary diagnosis.
If, however, the medical necessity for the visual field test is increased intraocular pressure due to a patient's adverse reaction to steroids, you should list ICD-9 code 365.03 (Borderline glaucoma [glaucoma suspect]; steroid responders) as a primary diagnosis.
Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
- 2006 RVU Update:
Brace Yourself-Proposed Schedule Slashes Fees for Most Eye Procedures
Prepare to lose up to $11 on B-scans-thanks to a 4.3 percent conversion factor reduction
If [...] - Expand Your Billing Options For Patients Refusing Dilation
Tip: You can schedule a second office visit - but beware this coding stipulation
You know [...] - You Be the Expert:
A-Scan With Exam on Second Eye
Question: After we had done an A-scan on a patient prior to cataract surgery on [...] - News You Can Use:
Add 4th Criterion for Glaucoma Screening Candidates in 2006
CMS may add Hispanics 65 and older to the list of those eligible for G0117
Last [...] - Clarification:
Good News-Expect $73 for Extended Visual Fields
An article in the July 2005 Optometry Coding & Billing Alert, "Conquer the Pre-Blepharoplasty Visual [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Fight Underpayment for Keratoconus Lenses
Question: We are fitting quite a few of our keratoconus patients with a new type [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Smile for Photos to Track Disease Progress
Question: I'm not sure when I can and can't bill for slit-lamp photography. What are [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Seek Payment From Dead Patient's Estate
Question: I'm trying to collect on an account and have just learned that the patient [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Use V Code to Check for Steroid Effects
Question: We're starting to see patients for visual field testing to check for adverse effects [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Handle Insurer Overpayments Quickly
Question: How should I handle overpayments by insurers? How fast do I have to repay? [...] - READER QUESTIONS:
Modify Less Extensive Code With 59
Question: I know that I can use modifier 59 to unbundle codes under the right [...]