Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Practice Test

Do ALT and SLT procedures have different CPT codes?

1. Yes, they do

2. No, they use the same code

3. ALT is under 65855 while SLT is not

4. Both are coded differently per payer

The correct answer is: No, they use the same code

The assertion that ALT (Argon Laser Trabeculoplasty) and SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) procedures use the same CPT code is accurate. Both procedures are classified under the same category for coding purposes, specifically CPT code 65855. This code is designated for "Trabeculoplasty, laser (argon or selective)" and encompasses the treatment of open-angle glaucoma through laser techniques. In clinical practice, even though ALT and SLT are distinct in terms of technique—ALT uses thermal energy, while SLT utilizes a specific wavelength of light to target the trabecular meshwork—they are still captured using the same CPT code when it comes to billing. This uniformity is crucial for claim submissions and ensures that healthcare providers can accurately report the procedures they perform without the need for differentiation in coding. While there are specific situations in which payers may request additional information or detail regarding the procedure, the foundational coding remains the same for these two modalities. Hence, the idea that they are coded differently or that one is excluded from the main CPT code does not hold true in standard coding practice.