How To Use CPT Code 92081

CPT 92081 describes the limited examination of a patient’s visual field using various methods and techniques. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 92081?

CPT 92081 can be used to report a limited examination of a patient’s visual field. This code is used when a healthcare provider uses methods such as tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or single stimulus level automated test to determine the extent of a patient’s visual field in one or both eyes. The provider then interprets the results and prepares a report.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92081 is: ‘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).’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider performs a limited examination of the patient’s visual field using methods such as tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or single stimulus level automated test.
2. The provider determines the extent of the patient’s visual field, including how far inward, outward, upward, and downward the patient can see while focusing on a stationary point.
3. The provider may use objects of different sizes, colors, and intensities to assess the patient’s visual field.
4. The provider interprets the findings and prepares a report detailing the patient’s visual field.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 92081 is typically used for patients who require a limited examination of their visual field. This may include patients with suspected visual field abnormalities, those with certain eye conditions or diseases, or individuals undergoing routine eye examinations. The code can be used for both unilateral (one eye) or bilateral (both eyes) examinations.

5. When to use CPT code 92081

CPT code 92081 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a limited examination of a patient’s visual field using methods such as tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or single stimulus level automated test. This code is appropriate for reporting a screening test of the visual field in one or both eyes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92081, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the visual field examination and its necessity for diagnosis and treatment
• Specific methods or techniques used for the examination (e.g., tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or single stimulus level automated test)
• Date of the examination
• Interpretation of the findings
• Preparation of a report detailing the patient’s visual field

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92081, ensure that the examination is limited and performed using methods such as tangent screen, Autoplot, arc perimeter, or single stimulus level automated test. It is important to note that Medicare considers codes 92081 to 92083 as inherently bilateral procedures, meaning that payment for the service includes both eyes. Therefore, modifiers LT (Left side), RT (Right side), or 50 (Bilateral procedure) should not be appended to the code when reporting bilateral visual fields.

8. Historical information

CPT 92081 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a limited examination of a patient’s visual field using the tangent screen method.
2. Using the Autoplot technique, a provider assesses the extent of a patient’s visual field in one eye.
3. Arc perimeter is used to determine the patient’s peripheral vision during a limited examination of the visual field.
4. A healthcare provider performs a single stimulus level automated test to assess the patient’s visual field in both eyes.
5. Using an Octopus 3 or 7 equivalent, a provider evaluates the extent of a patient’s visual field in one eye.
6. During a routine eye examination, a healthcare provider performs a limited examination of the patient’s visual field using the tangent screen method.
7. A provider uses the Autoplot technique to assess the extent of a patient’s visual field in both eyes.
8. Arc perimeter is utilized to determine the patient’s peripheral vision during a limited examination of the visual field in one eye.
9. A healthcare provider performs a single stimulus level automated test to assess the patient’s visual field in one eye.
10. Using an Octopus 3 or 7 equivalent, a provider evaluates the extent of a patient’s visual field in both eyes.