How To Use CPT Code 0473T

CPT 0473T describes the evaluation and interrogation of an intraocular retinal electrode array, including reprogramming and visual training, when performed, by a qualified healthcare professional. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0473T?

CPT 0473T can be used to describe the evaluation and interrogation of an intraocular retinal electrode array, including reprogramming and visual training, when performed, by a qualified healthcare professional. This code is used when the healthcare professional personally evaluates, tests, and reprograms an artificial retina or intraocular retinal electrode array.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0473T is: ‘Device evaluation and interrogation of intraocular retinal electrode array (eg, retinal prosthesis), in person, including reprogramming and visual training, when performed, with review and report by a qualified healthcare professional.’ This code should not be used for the implantation of the intraocular electrode array or for the reprogramming of the implantable intraocular retinal electrode array device.

3. Procedure

1. A qualified healthcare professional personally evaluates, tests, and reprograms an artificial retina or intraocular retinal electrode array.
2. If necessary, the healthcare professional provides visual training to the patient.
3. The healthcare professional reviews and reports on all the steps taken, including the final settings and results.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 0473T is applicable when a qualified healthcare professional evaluates, tests, and reprograms an artificial retina or intraocular retinal electrode array. This code is specifically for the evaluation and interrogation of the device and should not be used for the implantation or reprogramming of the device. The procedure is typically performed to treat retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa, hereditary retinal disorders, and some forms of age-related macular degeneration.

5. When to use CPT code 0473T

CPT code 0473T should be used when a qualified healthcare professional personally evaluates, tests, and reprograms an artificial retina or intraocular retinal electrode array. This code should not be used for the implantation of the device or for the reprogramming of the implantable device. It is important to ensure that the procedure includes visual training, if necessary, and that the healthcare professional provides a review and report of the steps taken and the final settings and results.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 0473T, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for evaluation and interrogation of the intraocular retinal electrode array
• Specific details of the evaluation, including any tests performed
• Reprogramming of the artificial retina or intraocular retinal electrode array
• Visual training provided, if applicable
• Review and report of all the steps taken, including the final settings and results
• Signature of the qualified healthcare professional providing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 0473T, ensure that the healthcare professional personally evaluates, tests, and reprograms the artificial retina or intraocular retinal electrode array. This code should not be reported with other codes for the implantation or reprogramming of the device. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to provide a review and report of the procedure. Additional tips for reporting CPT code 0473T can be found in the official documentation.

8. Historical information

CPT code 0473T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on July 1, 2017. There have been no updates to the code since its addition. It is important to stay updated on any changes or revisions to ensure accurate reporting.

9. Examples

1. A qualified healthcare professional personally evaluates, tests, and reprograms an artificial retina for a patient with retinitis pigmentosa.
2. An intraocular retinal electrode array is evaluated and reprogrammed by a qualified healthcare professional for a patient with hereditary retinal disorders.
3. A healthcare professional provides visual training and reviews the settings and results of an artificial retina for a patient with age-related macular degeneration.
4. A qualified healthcare professional evaluates, tests, and reprograms an intraocular retinal electrode array for a patient with a retinal disease.
5. An artificial retina is interrogated and reprogrammed by a qualified healthcare professional for a patient with retinitis pigmentosa.
6. A healthcare professional provides visual training and reviews the final settings and results of an intraocular retinal electrode array for a patient with hereditary retinal disorders.
7. A qualified healthcare professional evaluates, tests, and reprograms an artificial retina for a patient with age-related macular degeneration.
8. An intraocular retinal electrode array is interrogated and reprogrammed by a qualified healthcare professional for a patient with a retinal disease.
9. A healthcare professional provides visual training and reviews the settings and results of an artificial retina for a patient with retinitis pigmentosa.
10. A qualified healthcare professional evaluates, tests, and reprograms an intraocular retinal electrode array for a patient with hereditary retinal disorders.