SEP 28, 2017
Use of Viscoelastic for Complex Cataract Surgery
Question: Our surgeon insists that the additional step taken to add extra viscoelastic suffices to support coding the surgery as complex case. The patient is noted to have a history of Flomax use. Is this acceptable?
Answer: It is not appropriate to bill CPT code 66982 Complex cataract surgery. The indications for complex cataract surgery do not include use of viscoelastic.
Learn more about implantable contact lenses in the 1-Hour Coding Course: Complete Guide to Documenting and Coding Cataract Surgery and Ophthalmic Coding: Learn to Code Cataract and Anterior Segment.