How To Use CPT Code 0378T

CPT 0378T describes the visual field assessment procedure performed by a healthcare provider. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0378T?

CPT 0378T can be used to describe the visual field assessment procedure performed by a healthcare provider. This code is used when the provider conducts an examination of the patient’s visual field in each eye, using a perimeter device. The patient focuses on the center of the device and presses a button when they see a flash of light. The provider then reviews and interprets the data to assess the patient’s central and peripheral vision.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0378T is: ‘Visual field assessment, with concurrent real-time data analysis and accessible data storage with patient-initiated data transmitted to a remote surveillance center for up to 30 days; review and interpretation with report by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs a visual field assessment using a perimeter device.
2. The patient focuses on the center of the device and presses a button when they see a flash of light.
3. A computer records the location of the flash and any areas of vision loss.
4. The provider reviews and interprets the data to assess the patient’s central and peripheral vision.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 0378T are those who require a visual field assessment to detect central and peripheral vision problems caused by conditions such as stroke, glaucoma, and other eye or brain problems. The assessment must include concurrent real-time data analysis and accessible data storage, along with review and interpretation by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

5. When to use CPT code 0378T

CPT code 0378T should be used when a visual field assessment is performed with concurrent real-time data analysis and accessible data storage. This code represents the professional component of the service. It is important to note that this code should not be reported if other related codes (CPT 0379T) have already been performed in the previous seven days.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0378T, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a visual field assessment
• Details of the assessment procedure, including the use of a perimeter device
• Date and duration of the assessment
• Results of the assessment, including any areas of vision loss
• Review and interpretation of the assessment data
• Signature of the physician or qualified healthcare professional providing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0378T, ensure that the visual field assessment is performed with concurrent real-time data analysis and accessible data storage. Report this code for the professional component of the service. It is important to follow the guidelines for reporting this code in conjunction with other related codes. Consider the location of the testing, as it may impact how the service is coded.

8. Historical information

CPT 0378T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2015. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing a visual field assessment to evaluate a patient’s peripheral vision after a stroke.
2. An ophthalmologist conducting a visual field assessment to monitor a patient with glaucoma.
3. A neurologist performing a visual field assessment to assess a patient’s vision following a brain injury.
4. An optometrist conducting a visual field assessment to evaluate a patient’s central vision for signs of macular degeneration.
5. A retina specialist performing a visual field assessment to monitor a patient’s vision after retinal surgery.
6. An ophthalmic technician conducting a visual field assessment to assess a patient’s peripheral vision for signs of optic nerve damage.
7. A neuro-ophthalmologist performing a visual field assessment to evaluate a patient’s vision in cases of suspected optic neuritis.
8. An optician conducting a visual field assessment to assess a patient’s peripheral vision for signs of retinitis pigmentosa.
9. A neurosurgeon performing a visual field assessment to evaluate a patient’s vision before and after brain tumor removal.
10. An ophthalmic nurse conducting a visual field assessment to monitor a patient’s vision during treatment for diabetic retinopathy.