Laser-assisted keratoplasty: Know the coding details – Ophthalmology Management

Keratoplasty, another name for corneal transplant, is commonly performed using a trephine, but it could also be performed with a femtosecond (FS) laser. There are some clinical advantages to using the latter, but be sure to check for coverage first.

This article addresses the following questions:

• What is femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty?
• What are the indications for FS laser use with keratoplasty?
• What CPT codes best describe FS laser-assisted keratoplasty?
• What is the significance of these Category III codes?
• May we collect a separate fee if the patient signs a financial waiver?
• How should we document the use of the FS laser in the medical record?

This article was published in Ophthalmology Management’s Coding & Reimbursement column, which is written by Corcoran’s Executive Vice-President, Suzanne Corcoran, COE. To view the entire article in Ophthalmology Management, click on the link below:

http://www.ophthalmologymanagement.com/articleviewer.aspx?articleID=114116