How To Use CPT Code 99177

CPT 99177 describes the use of instrument-based ocular screening to analyze both eyes for ocular or eye-related diseases. 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 99177?

CPT 99177 can be used to describe the use of instruments to conduct a vision screening exam and analyze both eyes for ocular or eye-related diseases. This code is used when the screening and analysis take place on-site, and the provider assesses the patient’s vision using instruments to perform refractive tests and other ocular screening tests.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 99177 is: ‘Instrument-based ocular screening (eg, photoscreening, automated-refraction), bilateral; with on-site analysis.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider uses instruments to conduct a vision screening exam on both eyes.
2. The provider performs refractive tests and other ocular screening tests using the instruments.
3. The provider analyzes the results of the screening on-site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 99177 services are those who require a vision screening exam to diagnose ocular or eye-related diseases. The provider must use instruments to perform the screening and analysis, and both the screening and analysis must take place on-site.

5. When to use CPT code 99177

CPT code 99177 should be used when a provider uses instruments to conduct a vision screening exam and analyze both eyes for ocular or eye-related diseases. This code should not be reported with codes 92002 to 92014 or codes 99172 to 99173.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 99177, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s need for a vision screening exam
• Specific instruments used for the screening and analysis
• Date of the screening and analysis
• Results of the screening and analysis
• Signature of the provider performing the service

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 99177, ensure that the screening and analysis are performed on-site using instruments. Do not report CPT 99177 with codes 92002 to 92014 or codes 99172 to 99173.

8. Historical information

CPT 99177 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider uses instruments to conduct a vision screening exam and analyzes both eyes for ocular diseases.
2. A patient undergoes an instrument-based ocular screening to diagnose eye-related diseases.
3. A provider performs refractive tests and other ocular screening tests on both eyes using instruments.
4. A vision screening exam is conducted on-site, and the results are analyzed by the provider.
5. An instrument-based ocular screening is performed to determine the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
6. A patient undergoes a vision screening exam to identify any ocular disease.
7. A provider uses instruments to assess a patient’s vision and determine if any correction is required in their existing eyeglass prescription.
8. An on-site analysis is conducted to diagnose ocular diseases in both eyes.
9. A vision screening exam is performed using instruments to identify any ocular or eye-related diseases.
10. A provider uses instruments to perform refractive tests and other ocular screening tests on both eyes.