Medicare Blog

what code do you use to claim annual eye exam for medicare

by Dr. Tracy Morissette Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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For a standard patient with a mild cataract who is pseudophakic in the other eye, provided he or she is doing well and is being seen at an annual exam, the code would be 92014 and 92015, a comprehensive eye exam and refraction.Feb 25, 2012

Full Answer

Does Medicare cover routine eye exams?

Since routine eye exams are generally not covered by Medicare, you’d pay 100 percent of their cost. If you’re at risk for glaucoma or diabetes, Medicare Part B can cover annual eye exams once every 12 months. For instance, if you use Medicare Part B for glaucoma eye exams, 80 percent of the exam will be covered.

What is the CPT code for eye exam?

Routine eye exams produce a final diagnosis, like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. What is procedure code 92310? Use CPT 92310 , which is defined as: “Prescription of optical and physical characteristics of and fitting of contact lens, with medical supervision of adaptation; corneal lens, both eyes, except for aphakia.” 1 .

What is an eye code for Medicare Part B?

For example, if a patient presents for a vision examination, an Eye code is the clear choice due to the chief complaint and the diagnosis. Remember, Medicare Part B does not cover these types of services, so the patient may be responsible for the payment.

Are the rules for eye exam codes changing?

Q: What about the Eye exam codes? If I still get better payment on the Eye code, are the rules for using them changing? A: The familiar Eye exam codes we commonly use: 92002; 92004; 92012; and 92014, don’t change in documentation or coding requirements and there’s no move to change them.

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How do I code a routine eye exam?

Comprehensive eye examination codes (92004, 92014) describe a general evaluation of the complete visual system. The CPT defines it as: "... includes history, general medical observation, external and ophthalmoscopic examinations, gross visual fields and basic sensorimotor examination.

What is the difference between 92002 and 92004?

92002. Ophthalmological services: Medical examination and evaluation with initiation of diagnostic treatment program; intermediate, new patient. 92004. Ophthalmological services: Medical examination and evaluation with initiation of diagnostic treatment program; comprehensive, new patient, one or more visits.

What is the difference between CPT code 92012 and 92014?

Code 92012 is closest to 99213 (low to moderate MDM) and 92014 is closest to 99214 (moderate to high MDM). These services require that the patient needs and receives care for a condition other than refractive error.

How do you code optometry?

The most commonly used codes by optometrists are 92002–92014 for eye exams and 92015 for refractions.

Does Medicare cover 92004?

"92004" is a code used by healthcare providers to indicate to insurance companies and Medicare that a comprehensive eye exam was performed.

What is CPT code 92004?

Ophthalmological services92004: Ophthalmological services: medical examination and evaluation with initiation of diagnostic and treat- ment program; comprehensive, new patient, one or more visits.

What is ICD 10 code for routine eye exam?

ICD-10 Code for Encounter for examination of eyes and vision without abnormal findings- Z01. 00- Codify by AAPC.

Does Medicare cover CPT code 92014?

Guest. 92014 is a routine code and Medicare will not pay it. They should be billed as office visits using 992xx codes as appropriate based on new/established patient and level of care.

Does Medicare pay for 92012?

The beneficiary should be notified these services are non-covered and informed of the cost the physician will charge for the service. These services do not need to be billed to Medicare, unless the beneficiary requests they be billed for denial.

What is billing code 99214?

CPT® code 99214: Established patient office or other outpatient visit, 30-39 minutes.

What is CPT code 99213 used for?

Established patient office visitCPT® code 99213: Established patient office visit, 20-29 minutes | American Medical Association.

How often can 92014 be billed?

92014 vs. Code 92014 should be used when coding for comprehensive eye examinations and not for follow-up visits for serious disease. Use 92014 for your follow-ups where medical necessity dictates a comprehensive examination, such as a return in one year for cataract follow-up.

How many times can you get a cataract code?

Only bill mutually exclusive cataract removal codes once per eye. Get more information at

Who can screen for glaucoma?

Glaucoma screening for high-risk patients furnished by an optometrist or ophthalmologist

What is the procedure for extracapsular cataract removal?

Extracapsular cataract removal with insertion of intraocular lens prosthesis (1-stage procedure), manual or mechanical technique, (eg, irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification), complex, requiring devices or techniques not generally used in routine cataract surgery (eg, iris expansion device, suture support for intraocular lens, or primary posterior capsulorrhexis) or performed on patients in the amblyogenic development stage; without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation

What is the name of the IOL for presbyopia?

Common eye problems include presbyopia and astigmatism corrected by presbyopia-correcting IOLs (P-C IOLs) and astigmatism-correcting IOLs (A-C IOLs). A P-C IOL or A-C IOL are 2 separate items

What is the procedure for removal of secondary membranous cataract?

Removal of secondary membranous cataract (opacified posterior lens capsule and/or anterior hyaloid) with corneo-scleral section, with or without iridectomy (iridocapsulotomy, iridocapsulectomy)

What is a cataract in the eye?

A “cataract” is an opacity or cloudiness in the eye’s crystalline lens blocking light passage through

What is an ABN in Medicare?

Notice (ABN) helps the patient decide whether to get the item or service Medicare may not cover, and accept financial responsibility if we don’t pay. When you issue a voluntary ABN, it has no effect on financial liability, and the patient isn’t required to select an option or sign and date the notice . Get more information from the

What is the eye exam code?

A: The familiar Eye exam codes we commonly use: 92002; 92004; 92012; and 92014, don’t change in documentation or coding requirements and there’s no move to change them. If the eye code pays better than the E/M code that you can also code for, then stay with it.

When will hospital exam codes change?

Additionally, if you use inpatient hospital exam codes, those are staying the same for 2021, although they are slated for significant changes in 2022 or later.

What are the three areas of coding?

The three areas are 1) Problems, 2) Data, and 3) Management. For the Problems area, the number and severity of the problems, whether they are different than the last visit and their timing/frequency all play a part. Data is more complicated in the new guidance and is unlikely to be relevant to coding for eye-care providers, as we will most often use Problems and Management to arrive at a code level. Management involves how the patient is treated and the urgency of the treatments. Medical decision-making will be the more common method of choosing a code level, except for certain situations (one example is providers who do low-vision examinations). REVIEW

Is E/M exam code 99201 being deleted?

Is that true? A: In 2021, E/M exam code 99201 is being deleted, but it’s of little consequence since eye doctors almost never use this code anyway. On the established-code side, 99211 remains and is unaffected because it’s not a doctor-exam code. Payment has been and remains low even though it’s forecast to go down about $0.80 from 2020.

Is the E/M rule de-emphasizing the history and exam?

Q: Are the new E/M rules truly de-emphasizing the history and exam? A: Yes. The new 2021 guidance notes that these two important components in the current 2020 rules are going to be “as medically appropriate”; the doctors decide what’s needed to support the patient and their condition at that visit.

Can you use physician time?

A: Yes. The most common way will be to use medical decision making. The other way is to use physician time. Each has been redefined in significant ways.

Is there a change to the 992xx exam code?

A: Yes. It’s a really important change—but just to the Evaluation and Management outpatient (office-based) exam codes. Those are codes 99202 to 99205 and 99212 to 99215. Among the important changes for this 992xx exam code series is that using the history and the exam for the purposes of choosing a code are minimized, ...

What is the CPT code for eye exams?

The covered CPT® codes for routine eye exams are: 92002, 92004, 92012, 92014, 92015, 99172 and 99173. For all beneficiaries, the primary diagnosis on the claim should be routine vision screening.

What is CPT code 92002?

CPT codes 92002-92014 are for medical examination and evaluation with initiation or continuation of a diagnostic and treatment program. The comprehensive services include a general examination of the complete visual system and always include initiation of diagnostic and treatment programs.

What are the benefits of a vision insurance plan?

Benefits for routine vision care, including an annual eye exam and prescription eyewear. Coverage for routine hearing care. Optional dental care coverage for routine exams, cleanings, and even restorations and dentures. Benefits for wellness programs and discounted gym memberships.

What are the benefits of Medicare Advantage?

Many Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for prescription drugs, as well as other benefits to help you manage your health-care costs, such as: 1 Benefits for routine vision care, including an annual eye exam and prescription eyewear 2 Coverage for routine hearing care 3 Optional dental care coverage for routine exams, cleanings, and even restorations and dentures 4 Benefits for wellness programs and discounted gym memberships

Are there other options to get Medicare coverage for eye exam costs?

You may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers coverage for routine eye exam costs and even prescription eyewear. The Medicare Advantage program is an alternative way to get your Original Medicare benefits. These plans must provide the same coverage as Part A and Part B (except for hospice care, which is still covered under Part A).

Does Medicare cover macular degeneration?

If your eye gets injured, Original Medicare may cover medically necessary diagnostic eye exams and treatment.

Does Medicare cover eye exams?

While Original Medicare doesn’t generally cover routine eye care, there are a few instances when your Part B coverage may help offset your eye exam costs: If you are considered to be at high risk for glaucoma (if you have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or are African American and over age 50, for example), ...

Does Medicare Advantage cover hospice?

Many Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for prescription drugs, as well as other benefits to help you manage your health-care costs, such as:

Does Medicare cover routine eye exam costs?

Except in the circumstances noted above, there is generally no Part B coverage for routine eye exams and vision checks. If you wear prescription eyewear or contact lenses, these costs are also not included in your Part B benefits, except in certain medical situations. For example, if you have cataracts and undergo surgery for treatment, Part B may cover one pair of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses after the procedure. Your Part B coinsurance and deductible applies.

What is a patient in Medicare?

The term “patient” refers to a Medicare beneficiary.

How long does Medicare cover AWV?

Medicare covers an AWV for all patients who aren’t within 12 months after the eligibility date for their first Medicare Part B benefit period and who didn’t have an IPPE or an AWV within the past 12 months. Medicare pays for only 1 IPPE per patient per lifetime and 1 additional AWV per year thereafter.

How many times can you report ACP?

There are no limits on the number of times you can report ACP for a certain patient in a certain time period. When billing this patient service multiple times, document the change in the patient’s health status and/or wishes regarding their end-of-life care. Preparing Eligible Medicare Patients for the AWV.

How to assess cognitive function?

Assess cognitive function by direct observation, considering information from the patient, family, friends, caregivers, and others. Consider using a brief cognitive test, health disparities, chronic conditions, and other factors that contribute to increased cognitive impairment risk. Find more information on the National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resources for Professionals website.

Does Medicare cover EKG?

No. Medicare waives both the coinsurance/copayment and the Medicare Part B deductible for the IPPE (HCPCS code G0402). Neither is waived for the screening electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) (HCPCS codes G0403, G0404, or G0405).

Is IPPE covered by Medicare?

The IPPE is an introduction to Medicare and covered benefits and focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, and detection to help patients stay well. We encourage providers to inform patients about the AWV and perform such visits. The SSA explicitly prohibits Medicare coverage for routine physical examinations.

Does Medicare waive ACP deductible?

Medicare waives the ACP deductible and coinsurance once per year when billed with the AWV. If the AWV billed with ACP is denied for exceeding the once-per-year limit, Medicare will apply the ACP deductible and coinsurance. The deductible and coinsurance apply when you deliver the ACP outside of the covered AWV.

What Do Eye Exams Cost With Medicare?

As mentioned, Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine eye exams, but there are exceptions for high-risk patients.

What Parts of Medicare Cover Eye Exams?

Although Original Medicare doesn’t cover eye exams, other parts of Medicare may be able to help pick up the cost for medically necessary services for vision conditions related to diabetes, glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Does Medicare Cover Eye Surgery?

Although Medicare doesn’t cover vision, hearing, or dental procedures, there are certain exceptions. For instance, if you require eye surgery or have a chronic eye condition that puts you at high risk, Medicare can cover cataract surgery or exams for high-risk patients with diabetes.

What is the Medicare Part B coverage for glaucoma?

Under Medicare Part B, you can receive up to 80 percent coverage for glaucoma eye exams if you’re at high risk for glaucoma, an eye disease that can cause blindness. A state-certified eye doctor must conduct or supervise the screening.

How often does Medicare cover glaucoma?

Medicare Part B covers glaucoma eye exams every 12 months if you’re considered high-risk for diabetes or if you have a family history of glaucoma.

What are the benefits of Medicare Advantage?

Under Medicare Advantage, you may receive additional benefits such as routine vision care, which includes eyeglasses and contacts.

Does Medicare pay for eye tests?

Medicare does pay for routine eye tests, but only if they’re deemed medically necessary. For example, if you have diabetes and are at high risk for eye conditions, Medicare may be able to cover the cost of specific eye tests for glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration.

What is a comprehensive physical exam?

This comprehensive physical examination screens for disease, promotes a healthy lifestyle and assesses a member’s potential risk factors for future medical problems. It includes the components listed below. Any clinical laboratory tests or other diagnostic services performed at the time of the wellness visit may be subject to a copay or coinsurance.

Is colonoscopy a Medicare Advantage plan?

colonoscopy that begins as an in-network screening service is subject to the $0 screening cost share, regardless of whether a polyp is found and/or removed during the procedure, under all UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans.

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