Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
Foreign Body Removal
PDF
Question: Can we code 65205 or 65220 if we used a cotton swab to remove a foreign body? Or is a needle required to use those codes?
Georgia Subscriber
Answer: You should be able to report CPT® code 65205 (Removal of foreign body, external eye; conjunctival superficial) or 65220 (Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal, without slit lamp) for an FBR with a cotton swab. Although a needle may be used to remove the foreign body, it is not necessary to justify the code. Choose the code depending on the location and level of penetration of the FB in the eye.
However: One code that does specify the equipment used in removing an FB is 65222 (Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal, with slit lamp), which does indicate the equipment used to enhance viewing of the affected area.
Optometry Coding & Billing Alert
- Gonioscopy:
Are These 92020 Myths Holding Back Your Reimbursement?
Get ready to learn the truth behind postoperative tests, bilateral billing, and more. With gonioscopy [...] - ICD-10:
Report Glaucoma Type, Location, Stage All With 1 Code
In 2015, you’ll no longer need to report an additional Dx code to indicate glaucoma [...] - Part B Payment:
Proposed Fee Schedule Suggests Major Global Period Changes
Optometrists may see little impact, but other specialties’ reimbursement could rise or fall significantly. Although [...] - Modifier 25:
Major Payer Changes Modifier 25 Policy
You’ll need a new diagnosis for E/M payment from Tufts. Most optometry practices use modifier [...] - News You Can Use:
See How CMS Addresses ICD-10 Delay
Users question ICD-9, too. You know that Congress instituted an ICD-10 delay, but do you [...] - You Be the Expert:
Foreign Body Removal
Question: Can we code 65205 or 65220 if we used a cotton swab to remove a [...] - Reader Question:
Use Caution With Write Offs
Question: At what point can we write off a patient balance as bad debt? Are there [...] - Reader Question:
Watch for Payer Differences With Claim Forms
Question: I need some help concerning the rules for billing on the new CMS-1500 form. We [...] - Reader Question:
Don't Get Too Comfortable With Blanket ABNs
Question: I recently started working at a practice that I think overuses ABNs. Can we [...] - Reader Question:
Learn The Method to Determine Reimbursement Using RVUs
Question: Using the RVUs provided for a particular code, how do I arrive at the appropriate [...]