Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Practice Test

The correct approach to coding a follow-up visit for a patient who has undergone cataract surgery is to use the appropriate evaluation and management (E/M) code for an established patient visit. This is because the follow-up visit is primarily aimed at assessing the recovery from the surgery, addressing any complications, and managing ongoing care.

In this context, the patient is considered "established," as they have previously received treatment from the ophthalmologist. Therefore, coding for an established patient visit is essential, as it reflects the continuity of care and acknowledges the patient’s medical history and previous interactions with the healthcare provider.

Using an initial visit CPT code would not be appropriate because it does not reflect the ongoing care aspect after the surgery. Similarly, solely applying a code for postoperative care would not adequately capture the comprehensive evaluation during the follow-up. Lastly, general codes for eye exams are too broad and do not specifically designate the nature of the visit as a follow-up after cataract surgery, which is critical in providing precise coding and ensuring appropriate reimbursement.