Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Practice Test

Which test is payable per eye and deemed medically indicated?

1. Fundus photography

2. Visual field test

3. Optic nerve scan

4. Lensometry

The correct answer is: Optic nerve scan

The optic nerve scan is payable per eye and deemed medically indicated because it is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the health of the optic nerve, particularly for conditions like glaucoma and optic neuritis. This test provides critical information about the structure and function of the optic nerve, helping clinicians to make informed decisions regarding patient diagnosis and management. In contrast, other options may have different billing nuances or indications. Fundus photography is typically used for documentation of retinal conditions rather than the optic nerve directly, while a visual field test assesses peripheral vision and may not be universally considered medically necessary for every patient. Lensometry primarily focuses on measuring lenses and is usually considered a routine procedure rather than one that requires medical justification for payment per eye. Hence, the optic nerve scan stands out for its clear medical necessity and the practice of billing for each eye individually.