Testing: Color Vision – Ophthalmology Management

Color vision testing examines the ability to distinguish between colors, most commonly red/green but other combinations as well. Basic color vision testing, such as Ishihara plates, is part of an eye examination.

Ophthalmologists perform more extensive color vision testing for a variety of reasons, including suspicion of congenital or acquired color vision defects, vision-related optic nerve problems and monitoring high-risk medications such as Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine sulfate, Sanofi-Adventis). Now for what you need to know to obtain reimbursement.

This article answers the following questions:

• What CPT code describes color vision testing?
• Is color vision testing covered by Medicare and other payers?
• What does Medicare allow for extended color vision testing?
• What is the frequency of extended color vision testing in the Medicare program?
• What documentation is required to support this test?

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=108639