How is cataract surgery billed?

Asked by: Verdie Haag  |  Last update: September 4, 2023
Score: 4.9/5 (1 votes)

Because all the possible CPT codes are bundled together, it is appropriate to bill only one of them. Based on the description in the operative note, choose the most appropriate code—CPT code 66988. This combination code accurately represents both the cataract surgery and ECP.

What is the billing and coding for cataract surgery?

For Complex Cataract Surgery (CPT code 66982):

The billing of CPT code 66982 is not related to the surgeon's perception of the surgical difficulty. The use of this code is governed by the need to employ devices or techniques not generally required/utilized in routine cataract surgery.

Does Medicare Part A or B pay for cataract surgery?

If the cataract surgery takes place in an outpatient facility, Medicare Part B will help cover the costs. If the surgery requires hospitalization, Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) may pay some of the costs.

Is cataract surgery usually covered by insurance?

Cataract surgery is typically covered, at least in part, by health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private plans (such as Affordable Care Act-compliant plans found on a health insurance marketplace). Surgery typically must be deemed “medically necessary” in order to be covered by insurance.

How do you bill a cataract post op?

After the optometrist has seen the patient for post-operative care, he/she will submit a claim for the postoperative care provided, using the appropriate CPT Code, i.e, 66984, and Modifier 55.

Cataract Surgery

29 related questions found

How do I bill post op visits?

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT ONLY: WHEN ONE PHYSICIAN PERFORMS THE POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AND ANOTHER PHYSICIAN HAS PERFORMED THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE, THE POSTOPERATIVE COMPONENT MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY ADDING THE MODIFIER -55 TO THE USUAL PROCEDURE NUMBER OR BY USE OF THE SEPARATE FIVE DIGIT MODIFIER CODE 09955.

What is the ICD-10 for postop cataract?

Cataract extraction status, unspecified eye

Z98. 49 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2023 edition of ICD-10-CM Z98.

What part of cataract surgery is not covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers medically necessary cataract surgery with standard intraocular lenses. Medicare won't cover advanced technology lenses or elective surgery primarily to correct vision from nearsightedness or astigmatism, called “refractive lens exchanges.”

Can insurance deny cataract surgery?

Most health insurance companies, which cover checkups, prescriptions, and other types of surgery, consider cataract surgery to be medically necessary, and they will cover at least part of the procedure. However, the amount of your cataract surgery that is covered can vary.

Does cataract surgery fall under medical or vision?

At least, most of it. Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance programs deem cataract surgery to be “medically necessary,” assuming the development of the cataract (or cataracts) is such that it interferes with the patient's normal daily activities.

What is the criteria for Medicare to pay for cataract surgery?

How do I qualify? If you're 65-or older and your doctor has determined surgery for your cataracts to be medically necessary, Medicare will typically cover 80% of your expenses including post-surgery eyeglasses or contacts.

What are the criteria for Medicare to approve cataract surgery?

The patient has a best corrected visual acuity of 20/50 or worse at distant or near; or additional testing shows one of the following: Consensual light testing decreases visual acuity by two lines, or. Glare testing decreases visual acuity by two lines.

Does Medicare pay anything for cataract surgery?

Medicare covers cataract surgery that involves intraocular lens implants, which are small clear disks that help your eyes focus. Although Medicare covers basic lens implants, it does not cover more advanced implants. If your provider recommends more advanced lens implants, you may have to pay some or all of the cost.

Is a lens inserted in cataract surgery?

If you're given a sedative, you may remain awake, but groggy, during surgery. During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed, and a clear artificial lens is usually implanted.

What is the reimbursement for 66982?

QUESTION: What does Medicare allow for 66982 and 66987? ANSWER: Surgeon reimbursement is about 37% higher than the Medicare rate for conventional cataract surgery with IOL (CPT 66984). In 2021, the national Medicare Physician Fee Schedule allowed amount for 66982 is $751.

What does IOL stand for?

An intraocular lens (or IOL) is a tiny, artificial lens for the eye. It replaces the eye's natural lens that is removed during cataract surgery. The lens bends (refracts) light rays that enter the eye, helping you to see. Your lens should be clear.

Does cataract surgery mean you don't need glasses anymore?

In general, after cataract surgery people do not need glasses for distance viewing– this means for activities such as driving, golf or watching TV, you should not need to continue wearing glasses. However, in many circumstances people still may need glasses for reading or near work.

How long does cataract surgery take?

The operation

Cataract surgery is a straightforward procedure that usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Why doesn't insurance pay for laser cataract surgery?

Some insurance companies offer a vision plan which may provide a discounted price or apparent partial coverage for laser eye surgery. Because laser eye surgery is an elective surgery, many health insurance companies consider it cosmetic and not medically necessary.

What are the 3 types of cataract surgery?

There are three major cataract surgery procedures:
  • Phacoemulsification.
  • Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS).
  • Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE).

Is laser cataract surgery worth the extra money?

Both methods are extremely successful and safe.” To translate that into simpler terms, on average, the evidence suggests that patients who have laser-assisted cataract surgery tend to see about as well as patients who have traditional cataract surgery. Not significantly better, or worse.

Does Medicare cover anesthesia for cataract surgery?

With cataracts, Medicare covers a pre-surgery exam to discuss your cataracts and anesthesia during the surgery. Medicare also covers any follow-up care. You'll pay the 20% Medicare coinsurance, plus any Medicare deductible before Medicare pays its share.

What is the ICD-10 for right cataract surgery?

Z98. 41 Cataract extraction status, right eye - ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes.

What is the ICD-10 for left eye cataract surgery?

ICD-10 Code for Cataract extraction status, left eye- Z98. 42- Codify by AAPC.

What is ICD 9 cataracts?

ICD-9 code 366.9 for Unspecified cataract is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range -DISORDERS OF THE EYE AND ADNEXA (360-379).