How To Use CPT Code 92317

CPT 92317 describes the prescription and supervision of corneoscleral contact lenses by a healthcare provider. 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 92317?

CPT 92317 can be used to describe the prescription and supervision of corneoscleral contact lenses by a healthcare provider. This code is used when a provider determines the medical necessity of a corneoscleral contact lens and prescribes the optical and physical characteristics of the lens, including size, power, curvature, flexibility, and gas permeability. An independent technician then fits the lens and provides training under the supervision of the provider.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 92317 is: ‘Prescription of optical and physical characteristics of contact lens, with medical supervision of adaptation and direction of fitting by independent technician; corneoscleral lens.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider determines the medical necessity of a corneoscleral contact lens for the patient.
2. The provider prescribes the optical and physical characteristics of the lens, including size, power, curvature, flexibility, and gas permeability.
3. An independent technician fits the corneoscleral contact lens to the patient’s eye.
4. The technician provides training to the patient on how to use and care for the lens.
5. The provider supervises the adaptation of the lens and provides direction to the technician during the fitting process.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 92317 services are those who require a corneoscleral contact lens for medical reasons, such as conjunctival burns or prevention of symblepharon. The provider must determine the medical necessity of the lens and prescribe the optical and physical characteristics. An independent technician then fits the lens under the supervision of the provider.

5. When to use CPT code 92317

CPT code 92317 should be used when a healthcare provider prescribes and supervises the fitting of a corneoscleral contact lens by an independent technician. This code is appropriate when the lens is medically necessary for the patient’s condition. It should not be used for routine contact lens fittings or for other types of contact lenses.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 92317, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Medical necessity of the corneoscleral contact lens
• Prescription of the optical and physical characteristics of the lens
• Date of the fitting and training session
• Supervision and direction provided by the provider during the fitting process
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 92317, ensure that the provider prescribes and supervises the fitting of the corneoscleral contact lens by an independent technician. This code should not be reported if the fitting is performed by the provider themselves. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting CPT 92317 based on the situation and the number of eyes fitted. Other related codes may be used depending on the circumstances.

8. Historical information

CPT 92317 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 prescribes a corneoscleral contact lens for a patient with conjunctival burns. An independent technician fits the lens under the supervision of the provider.
2. A provider determines the medical necessity of a corneoscleral contact lens for a patient to prevent symblepharon. The provider prescribes the optical and physical characteristics of the lens, and an independent technician fits the lens under their supervision.
3. A patient requires a corneoscleral contact lens due to a specific medical condition. The provider prescribes the lens, and an independent technician fits the lens to the patient’s eye with the supervision of the provider.
4. A healthcare provider determines that a corneoscleral contact lens is medically necessary for a patient. The provider prescribes the optical and physical characteristics of the lens, and an independent technician fits the lens under their supervision.
5. A patient needs a corneoscleral contact lens for a specific medical reason. The provider prescribes the lens, and an independent technician fits the lens to the patient’s eye with the supervision of the provider.
6. A healthcare provider determines the medical necessity of a corneoscleral contact lens for a patient. The provider prescribes the optical and physical characteristics of the lens, and an independent technician fits the lens under their supervision.
7. A patient requires a corneoscleral contact lens due to a specific medical condition. The provider prescribes the lens, and an independent technician fits the lens to the patient’s eye with the supervision of the provider.
8. A healthcare provider determines that a corneoscleral contact lens is medically necessary for a patient. The provider prescribes the optical and physical characteristics of the lens, and an independent technician fits the lens under their supervision.
9. A patient needs a corneoscleral contact lens for a specific medical reason. The provider prescribes the lens, and an independent technician fits the lens to the patient’s eye with the supervision of the provider.