APR 19, 2016
Billing Paracentesis During Cataract Surgery
Question: Whenever our doctors perform a cataract surgery, they also do a paracentesis. According to CCI edits, CPT code 66984 Cataract extraction with IOL and CPT code 65800 Paracentesis are not bundled. Should we submit both codes for the day of surgery? Second question: Many times they depress on the post-surgery excision to let fluid out to decrease the pressure if the pressure is too high. Does this also meet the criteria for submitting CPT code 65800 Paracentesis?
Answer: There is nothing separately billable during the surgery or postoperatively. During the postoperative period, there is no new incision, just burping the existing one; therefore, it is not billable.