2025 CPT code 92018
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Medicine - Ophthalmological Examination and Evaluation Procedures Ophthalmology Feed
Ophthalmological exam and evaluation under general anesthesia, with or without globe manipulation to facilitate examination.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service. Consult your payer's guidelines.
Medical necessity is established when a thorough ophthalmologic exam cannot be performed safely or effectively without general anesthesia due to patient factors such as age, inability to cooperate, or severe anxiety.The benefits of the exam under anesthesia must outweigh the risks of general anesthesia.
Ophthalmologist
In simple words: This code covers a detailed eye exam done while a patient is asleep under general anesthesia.The doctor checks the inside and outside of the eye, and may test how well the eyes move. This is often used for children or adults who can't have a normal eye exam.
This CPT code encompasses a comprehensive ophthalmological examination and evaluation conducted while the patient is under general anesthesia.The examination may include internal eye structure evaluation, assessment of eyeball movement (passive range of motion or other manipulation), and various diagnostic tests such as fundoscopy, photography, measurements, ultrasound, or treatment as needed.External eye examination and assessment of extraocular muscle function by manipulation may also be included. This procedure is typically performed when a detailed examination is impossible while the patient is awake, such as with uncooperative children or adults.
Example 1: A 3-year-old child with suspected retinoblastoma undergoes an eye exam under general anesthesia to allow for complete retinal imaging and evaluation. Code 92018 is used to report the examination., An adult patient with severe facial trauma and suspected orbital fracture receives an eye exam under general anesthesia, which includes assessment of extraocular muscle movement to evaluate potential damage. Code 92018 is reported., An uncooperative adult patient with a history of severe anxiety requires an eye exam under general anesthesia.The exam, including fundus photography and other diagnostic tests, is documented with code 92018.
* Detailed history and reason for anesthesia.* Thorough description of the examination performed.* Documentation of any findings and diagnostic tests.* Anesthesia records.* Supporting medical records to justify the medical necessity of the procedure.
** This code should only be used when an exam under general anesthesia is medically necessary.Proper documentation is crucial for reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: M5C (Specialist - Ophthalmology)
- RVU: This information varies based on geographic location, payer, and other factors. Consult your local fee schedule for details.
- Global Days: Not applicable.
- Payment Status: Active, but reimbursement varies by payer and location.
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedule data is not provided.Consult fee schedules from previous years for historical information.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office (depending on the setting where the anesthesia is administered)