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Official Description

Fitting of contact lens for treatment of ocular surface disease

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 92071 refers to the fitting of contact lenses specifically for the treatment of ocular surface disease. This procedure is distinct from standard vision correction fittings, as it focuses on addressing various ocular surface conditions rather than improving visual acuity. The fitting process involves not only the selection and application of the contact lenses but also includes comprehensive instruction for the wearer on how to use and care for the lenses effectively. During this fitting, the healthcare provider will train the patient on the proper handling and maintenance of the lenses to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. The supply of the lenses, along with any incidental adjustments made during the fitting and training process, is encompassed within this code. The primary purpose of these contact lenses, often referred to as bandage soft contact lenses (BSCL), is to facilitate the healing of the cornea in patients suffering from conditions such as corneal abrasions, keratitis, corneal ulcers, bullous keratopathy, and recurrent corneal erosion. These lenses serve multiple therapeutic functions, including pain relief, promotion of epithelial growth and migration, delivery of topical antibiotics, and provision of oxygen to the corneal tissue. The fitting process involves a thorough assessment of the type and extent of the corneal wound, as well as the patient's pain level, to ensure that the selected hydrogel or silicone hydrogel lens provides complete corneal coverage with minimal movement. This careful fitting is crucial for the successful management of ocular surface diseases and the overall comfort of the patient.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The fitting of contact lenses for the treatment of ocular surface disease, as described by CPT® Code 92071, is indicated for various conditions affecting the ocular surface. These include:

  • Corneal Abrasions - Damage to the outer layer of the cornea, often resulting in pain and discomfort.
  • Keratitis - Inflammation of the cornea, which can lead to pain, redness, and vision impairment.
  • Corneal Ulcers - Open sores on the cornea that can result from infection or injury, requiring prompt treatment.
  • Bullous Keratopathy - A condition characterized by the formation of blisters on the cornea, leading to pain and vision issues.
  • Recurrent Corneal Erosion - A condition where the corneal epithelium fails to adhere properly, causing repeated episodes of pain and discomfort.

2. Procedure

The procedure for fitting contact lenses for the treatment of ocular surface disease involves several key steps to ensure the lenses are appropriately fitted and effective for the patient's condition. Each step is critical to achieving the desired therapeutic outcome.

  • Assessment of Corneal Condition - The healthcare provider begins by evaluating the type and extent of the corneal wound, as well as assessing the patient's pain level. This assessment is crucial for determining the appropriate type of contact lens to be used.
  • Selection of Lens Type - Based on the assessment, the provider selects a hydrogel or silicone hydrogel lens that will provide complete corneal coverage. The choice of lens is influenced by the specific ocular surface disease being treated.
  • Fitting of the Lens - The selected lens is then fitted onto the patient's eye, ensuring it is centered and exhibits minimal movement. This step is essential for comfort and effectiveness in promoting healing.
  • Instruction and Training - The patient receives detailed instructions on how to properly use and care for the contact lenses. This training includes guidance on insertion, removal, cleaning, and maintenance of the lenses to prevent complications.
  • Follow-Up Adjustments - If necessary, additional adjustments to the lens fit may be made during follow-up visits to ensure optimal comfort and effectiveness in treating the ocular surface disease.

3. Post-Procedure

After the fitting of contact lenses for the treatment of ocular surface disease, patients are typically advised on post-procedure care to ensure the best outcomes. This may include recommendations for follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process and assess the effectiveness of the lenses. Patients may also be instructed to use additional topical antibiotics or oral analgesics as needed to manage pain and prevent infection. It is important for patients to adhere to the care instructions provided, as proper lens maintenance is crucial for avoiding complications and ensuring the therapeutic benefits of the contact lenses. Regular follow-up visits may be necessary to fine-tune the lens selection and fit, ensuring continued comfort and effectiveness in managing the ocular surface condition.

Short Descr CONTACT LENS FITTING FOR TX
Medium Descr FIT CONTACT LENS TX OCULAR SURFACE DISEASE
Long Descr Fitting of contact lens for treatment of ocular surface disease
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) M5C - Specialist - ophthalmology
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
24 Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period: the physician or other qualified health care professional may need to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a postoperative period for a reason(s) unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 24 to the appropriate level of e/m service.
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
AG Primary physician
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
E4 Lower right, eyelid
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
QJ Services/items provided to a prisoner or patient in state or local custody, however the state or local government, as applicable, meets the requirements in 42 cfr 411.4 (b)
SC Medically necessary service or supply
TG Complex/high tech level of care
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2012-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
Code
Description
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