by Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Aug 10th, 2016 - Reviewed/Updated Aug 2nd
The following information from one Medicare payer includes indications and limiatations of coverage as well as Medical Necessity standards for visual field examinations.
92081 Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; limited examination (eg, tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or single stimulus level automated test, such as Octopus 3 or 7 equivalent)
92082 Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; intermediate examination (eg, at least 2 isopters on Goldmann perimeter, or semiquantitative, automated suprathreshold screening program, Humphrey suprathreshold automatic diagnostic test, Octopus program 33)
92083 Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; extended examination (eg, Goldmann visual fields with at least 3 isopters plotted and static determination within the central 30 deg, or quantitative, automated threshold perimetry, Octopus program G-1, 32 or 42, Humphrey visual field analyzer full threshold programs
30-2, 24-2, or 30/60-2)
The visual field is the area within which objects may be seen when the eye is fixed. To standardize testing, several automated and computerized perimeters are available. However, manual perimeters are also utilized.
Visual field examinations will be considered medically reasonable and necessary under any of the following conditions:
Please note: stabilization or progression of glaucoma can be monitored only by a visual field examination, and the frequency of such examinations is dependent on the variability of intraocular pressure measurements (e.g., progressive increases despite treatment indicate a worsening condition), the appearance of new hemorrhages, and progressive cupping of the optic nerve.
Please note: patients with a previously diagnosed retinal detachment do not need a pretreatment visual field examination. Additionally, patients with an established diagnosed cataract do not need a follow-up visual field unless other presenting symptomatology is documented. In patients about to undergo cataract extraction, who do not have glaucoma and are not glaucoma suspects, a visual field is not indicated.
– Visual Field Examination (L33766) |
References/Resources
About Christine Woolstenhulme, QMC QCC CMCS CPC CMRS
Christine Woolstenhulme, CPC, QCC, CMCS, CMRS, is a Certified coder and Medical Biller currently employed with Find-A-Code. Bringing over 30 years of insight, business knowledge, and innovation to the healthcare industry. Establishing a successful Medical Billing Company from 1994 to 2015, during this time, Christine has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of revenue cycle management while working with independent practitioners and in clinic settings. Christine was a VAR for AltaPoint EHR software sales, along with management positions and medical practice consulting. Understanding the complete patient engagement cycle and developing efficient processes to coordinate teams ensuring best practice standards in healthcare. Working with payers on coding and interpreting ACA policies according to state benchmarks and insurance filings and implementing company procedures and policies to coordinate teams and payer benefits.