Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Imaging of retina for detection or monitoring of disease; with remote clinical staff review and report, unilateral or bilateral

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 92227 refers to the imaging of the retina specifically for the detection or monitoring of diseases, which can be performed unilaterally (one eye) or bilaterally (both eyes). This procedure is particularly relevant for patients at risk of retinal diseases, such as those with diabetes, as it allows for early identification and ongoing assessment of conditions like retinopathy. During the remote retinal imaging process, a healthcare provider captures retinal images using a computerized retinal imaging system. This system is designed to automatically center on the pupil, illuminate the retina, focus, estimate visual acuity, and obtain high-quality digital images of the retina. Once the images are captured, they are transmitted electronically to a remote location for review. In the case of CPT® Code 92227, the review and report generation are conducted by remote clinical staff, ensuring that the findings are documented and communicated effectively. This procedure enhances the ability to monitor retinal health without requiring the patient to be physically present at the reviewing facility, thereby improving access to care and facilitating timely interventions when necessary.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 92227 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Retinopathy Screening This procedure is performed to screen for retinopathy, particularly in patients who are at risk, such as those with diabetes.
  • Monitoring Active Retinal Disease It is also utilized to evaluate and monitor patients with known active retinal diseases, allowing for timely interventions and management.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 92227 involves several key steps that ensure the effective capture and review of retinal images:

  • Dilation of Pupils Prior to imaging, one or both pupils of the patient are dilated to enhance the visibility of the retina. This step is crucial as it allows for a clearer view of the retinal structures during imaging.
  • Image Acquisition The provider utilizes a computerized retinal imaging system to obtain digital images of the retina. This system is designed to automatically center on the pupil, illuminate the retina, and focus accurately to capture high-quality images. The system may also estimate visual acuity during this process.
  • Image Transmission After the images are captured, they are electronically transmitted to a remote location for review. This transmission can occur in real-time or shortly after the images are taken, facilitating prompt analysis.
  • Remote Review and Reporting The transmitted images are reviewed by remote clinical staff who analyze the findings and generate a report. This report includes the results of the imaging and any recommendations for further action if necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for patients who have undergone the imaging associated with CPT® Code 92227 typically involves monitoring for any immediate side effects from pupil dilation, such as blurred vision or light sensitivity. Patients may be advised to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until their vision returns to normal. The report generated from the remote review will be communicated to the referring physician, who will discuss the findings with the patient and determine any necessary follow-up actions or treatments based on the results of the imaging.

Short Descr IMG RTA DETCJ/MNTR DS STAFF
Medium Descr IMG RETINA DETCJ/MNTR DS REM CLIN STAFF UNI/BI
Long Descr Imaging of retina for detection or monitoring of disease; with remote clinical staff review and report, unilateral or bilateral
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 3 - Technical Component Only Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 2 - 150% payment adjustment does NOT apply.
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 STV-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment
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.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main 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.
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).
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).
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
Action
Notes
2021-01-01 Changed Code changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"