Anatomical narrow angle H40.033

[dalanicks@aol.com]

Hi does anyone know if there is something from CMS regarding diagnosis Anatomical narrow angle meaning what exactly what is described in the definition?

Thank you

 

[Cheezum51]

I'm not quite sure what your asking but I'll give it my best try.

To my knowledge, CMS doesn't publish anything defining narrow angle or open angle.

Whether a patient has narrow angle glaucoma or open angle glaucoma is usually determined by the eye doctor doing gonioscopy which allows them to view the drainage angle in the anterior chamber of the eyes. Sometimes, it can also be done by doing an anterior segment OCT but most insurers won't pay for that test whereas they do pay for the gonioscopy.

By looking at the various angle structures in the eyes, the doctor will then determine whether the angles are open or narrow and then use that determination to define the type of glaucoma the patient has for coding purposes. The interpretation and report for the gonioscopy should state whether the angles are open or narrow.

Tom Cheezum, O.D, CPC, COPC