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Coding Cataract Extraction

Published on 

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

 | FAQ 
Question:

During cataract extraction, the physician sometimes injects an antibiotic into a part of the eye anatomy. Can we code the injection procedure(s) in addition to the cataract extraction CPT code?

Answer

No, do not code the eye injection in addition to the CPT code for the cataract extraction. This applies to the injection of an antibiotic as well as steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs Specific examples of injections not separately reportable with the cataract extraction code include: anterior chamber, intravitreal, retrobulbar, Tenon’s capsule, and subconjunctival.

Reference: National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) Policy Manual, chapter VIII, page 18.
Article Author: Jeffery Gordon, RN, MSN, CCA, COC
Jeffery Gordon, RN, MSN, CCA, COC, is the Manager of Outpatient Medical Review at Medical Management Plus, Inc. Jeff has over thirty-five years of experience in healthcare including Critical Care, Infection Control, Quality Assurance, Medical Necessity, Outpatient Coding, Medicare Claims data analysis and Medical Record review.

This material was compiled to share information.  MMP, Inc. is not offering legal advice. Every reasonable effort has been taken to ensure the information is accurate and useful.