Basics of CPT code 92081, 92081 and 92083
As medical coders we have to know about each procedure code because mainly billing is dependent on CPT codes. Even a single change in digit of CPT code will change the dollar value of that procedure code hence medical coders should accurately report the CPT codes. Today, we will discuss about the CPT code 92081, 92081 and 92083 used for visual field examination. These three CPT codes are based on limited, intermediate and extended examination of visual field.
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Description of CPT code 92081, 92082 and 92083
A visual field test measures the extent of the field of vision as an eye fixates straight ahead, with standard illumination. Any peripheral vision loss or blind spots are documented. The blind spots are plotted on visual field charts. CPT code 92081 reports a limited examination, such as a tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or a single stimulus level automated test, such as Octopus 3 or 7.
A tangent screen, for example, is a black screen made of felt mounted on the wall that has meridians, blind spot, and degrees from fixation stitched into it. Fixation is the direction of gaze that allows the object’s visual image to fall on the central fovea of the retina, which is the area of most acute vision. With one eye occluded and full distance correction worn, white spots are introduced and the patient is tested at one and/or two meters. The points are transferred from screen to a chart.
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)
CPT code 92082 describes an intermediate procedure and may involve the use of specialized methods. For example, the Goldmann perimeter may be used with at least two isopters plotted. An isopter is the outer margins of a visual field within which any particular object or stimulus should be seen. A hollow white spherical bowl device is positioned a set distance from the patient and luminous targets that differ in size and intensity are projected onto standardized background illumination, statically or kinetically.
The stimulus check is usually static, not moving, when testing inside 30 degrees. This method can test the full limit of peripheral vision and uses internationally standardized testing conditions with fixation always monitored. Fixation is the direction of gaze that allows the object’s visual image to fall on the central fovea of the retina, or the area of most acute vision.
92082 intermediate examination (eg, at least 2 isopters on Goldmann perimeter, or semiquantitative, automated suprathreshold screening program, Humphrey suprathreshold automatic diagnostic test, Octopus program 33)
CPT code 92083 describes an extended procedure and may involve the use of specialized methods. The Goldmann perimeter may be used with at least three isopters plotted, plus a static check done within the central 30 degrees. An isopter is the outer margins of a visual field within which any particular object or stimulus should be seen. A hollow white spherical bowl device is positioned a set distance from the patient and luminous targets that differ in size and intensity are projected onto standardized background illumination, statically or kinetically.
This method can test the full limit of peripheral vision and uses internationally standardized testing conditions with fixation always monitored. Fixation is the direction of gaze that allows the object’s visual image to fall on the central fovea of the retina, or the area of most acute vision.
92083 extended examination (eg, Goldmann visual fields with at least 3 isopters plotted and static determination within the central 30°, 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)