CPT Code 92083 | Description, Procedure & Billing Guidelines (2022)
You can bill CPT 92083 for tests of the extent of a patient’s visual field with Goldmann tests or other methods.
1. What Is CPT Code 92083?
CPT 92083 covers methods for determining how well a patient sees with both or one eye. The provider prepared a report and interpreted the results from the test. You can bill CPT code 92083 for an extensive examination of a patient’s visual field.
2. Description
The CPT book defines the description of the 92083 CPT code as: “Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; extended examination (e.g., Goldmann visual fields with at least three isopters plotted and static determination within the central 30?, or quantitative, automated threshold perimetry, Octopus program G-1, 32 or 42, Humphrey visual field analyzer full threshold programs 30-2, 24-2, or 30/60-2).”
3. Procedure
The 92083 CPT code procedure aims to examine the extent of a patient’s visual field.
This test involves the following examination. It tests how far the patient can see;
- inferiorly (downward);
- superiorly (upward);
- laterally (outward); and
- inward.
The test described by CPT 92083 checks how much peripheral vision a patient has with several methods. An example is the Goldmann method as defined by the official descriptor.
During the test, a patient has to look into a hollow bowl some distance away. The examiner uses light and moves it toward the center while holding it steady at the perimeter.
There are also automated/computer-controlled tests available. The patient has to push a button in that case when they see the light. The results of the test are reported and interpreted by the provider.
4. How To Use CPT Code 92083?
You can use CPT 0378T and CPT 0379T for visual field assessment by patient-activated data transmission to a remote surveillance center.
Be aware that CPT 92081 and CPT 92082 are very similar to CPT 92083. Make sure to check these codes before submitting a claim.
Documentation for CPT code 92083 needs to show that the test was medically necessary for prognosis, future treatment, and diagnosis. Copies of the results are insufficient and do not justify the necessity of this procedure.
You can not report Gross visual field testing (for example, confrontation testing) separately because it is part of ophthalmological services.
4.1 Does CPT Code 92083 Need A Modifier?
CMS assigned RVUs (relative value units), assuming that the test was performed on both eyes. Therefore, you can not append modifier RT, modifier LT, or modifier 50 to CPT code 92083.
You can only append a modifier if this service is performed on one eye.
4.2 Is CPT 92083 Bilateral?
Medicare’s fee schedule gives CPT 92083 a bilateral indicator of ‘2’. This means that Medicare sees this CPT code 92083 as inherently bilateral.
CPT code 92083 is a bilateral procedure. This means that the payment for this code is for both eyes (bilateral).
If you report the 92083 CPT code on a claim without a modifier, the payer will assume that the service was provided for both eyes.
4.3 Will Medicare Pay For CPT Code 92083?
Yes, Medicare pays for CPT 92083 if you follow the Medicare rules, even though the descriptor states that the visual field codes are bilateral or unilateral. Medicare will pay this CPT code 92083 for both eyes.
