H44.523 — Atrophy of globe, bilateral
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- Document general ophthalmoscopy and biomicroscopy findings in the medical record even when these services are included in extended ophthalmoscopy and not separately billed.
- For extended ophthalmoscopy, include a drawing or equivalent documentation that demonstrates the extended nature of the exam to support separate payment.
- Orders for CPT 92227 and CPT 92228 must be from the treating physician or other treating practitioner acting within the scope of license and Medicare requirements and this order must be documented in the record.
- When extended ophthalmoscopy is performed during a global surgery period and is unrelated to the surgical condition, document the unrelatedness and report modifier -76 or -79 as appropriate.
Key Coverage Criteria
- Extended ophthalmoscopy (CPT 92201, 92202) is payable when documented as an extended ophthalmoscopy that meets indicated standards (e.g., includes a retinal drawing or equivalent documentation) beyond a general ophthalmologic exam.
- Fundus photography (CPT 92227, CPT 92228) is covered when ordered by the treating physician or other treating practitioner acting within the scope of his/her license and Medicare requirements.
- CPT 92227 is covered when used to evaluate asymptomatic patients at risk with known disease likely to cause retinal disease (e.g., diabetes mellitus) when ordered by the treating physician.
- CPT 92228 is a covered service when ordered by the treating physician or other treating practitioner acting within the scope of license and Medicare requirements.
- Fundus photography is covered when medical necessity is documented in the medical record, including relevant history, exam, diagnostic test results, and retention of the photographs and an interpretation/report.
- Extended ophthalmoscopy is covered when medical necessity is documented for each eye, including relevant history, physical exam, pertinent diagnostic results, and retinal drawings that meet the policy specifications.
15 Active Policies
L33567 — Ophthalmology: Posterior Segment Imaging (Extended Ophthalmoscopy and Fundus Photography)
J06
A56726 — Billing and Coding: Ophthalmology: Posterior Segment Imaging (Extended Ophthalmoscopy and Fundus Photography)
J06
L33766 — Visual Field Examination
J09
A57637 — Billing and Coding: Visual Field Examination
J09
Related Codes
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