Glaucoma Screening Coding
According to the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP), if detected through preventive screening, however, glaucoma can usually be controlled and severe vision loss can often be prevented. Medicare provides glaucoma screening coverage for beneficiaries in at least one high-risk group:
- Have diabetes mellitus
- Have a family history of glaucoma
- Are African-American aged 50 or older
- Are Hispanic-American aged 65 or older
Glaucoma Preventive Screening Coding
Report the appropriate HCPCS Level II code for Medicare patients:
- G0117 Glaucoma screening for high-risk patients furnished by an optometrist or ophthalmologist
- G0118 Glaucoma screening for high-risk patient furnished under the direct supervision of an optometrist or ophthalmologist
ICD-10-CM code Z13.5 Encounter for screening for eye and ear disorders supports the medical necessity of this service.
It should be noted that, for Billing Glaucoma Preventive Screening, copayment/coinsurance and deductibles apply for these services.
With all types of glaucoma, the nerve connecting the eye to the brain is damaged, usually due to high eye pressure.
The most common type of glaucoma (open-angle glaucoma) often has no symptoms other than slow vision loss. Angle-closure glaucoma, although rare, is a medical emergency and its symptoms include eye pain with nausea and sudden visual disturbance.