Wiki question about Snellen eye test done in office

[rmzuber]

Does anyone know if there is a cpt code for performing a Snellen eye exam in the office. Our practice sometimes performs this service for patients for their NYS drivers license renewal? Thanks. -R.

 

[RebeccaWoodward*]

We perform these on our occupational side. We use 99173.

 

[okiesawyers]

We use 99173.

 

[rmzuber]

Thanks.

Thanks for your help.

-Roxanne

 

[hthompson]

I think I found on CPT assistant at one point that you could not bill for a Snellen 99173 if there was a diagnosis, because the code is for a screening. Example: Conjunctivitis = no billing for 99173 because it's diagnostic, not screening. My question is: What if the patient comes in for a well visit and the Snellen is done and a diagnosis comes after the fact. So, in reality it is a screening, with a positive finding. Did I answer my own question, that a 99173 is appropriate in this situation, or is there something I'm not seeing?

My personal notes say Bill 99173 only when no eye "problem" is present. Should I re-word it to say Bill 99173 only when no pre-existing eye "problem" is present.