Eye Care Coding Reference
CPT 92083 extended visual field exam.
What the code covers, how it differs from 92082 and 92081, where Humphrey and Goldmann testing fit, the one-unit rule for both eyes, the Medicare contractor LCDs, how often fields are expected and what the interpretation and report should show. Last reviewed October 2026.
In one paragraph
The threshold visual field code.
CPT 92083 covers an extended visual field examination, such as threshold automated perimetry or Goldmann testing with at least three isopters, with the doctor's interpretation and report. It is the most commonly reported field code and is billed once whether one or both eyes are tested. The three field codes are mutually exclusive, so only one is reported per session. Medicare covers fields for glaucoma, glaucoma suspects, optic nerve and neurologic disease and other listed conditions, but not as a routine screening test. Descriptions on this page are Vision Rescue summaries, not the official CPT descriptor.
92083 at a glance
- One unit for one or both eyes
- Components: professional (26) and technical (TC)
- Only one of 92081, 92082 or 92083 per session
- Humphrey full threshold programs such as 24-2 and 30-2 fit 92083
- Taped and untaped fields for eyelid surgery: one unit
- Frequency follows clinical change, not a fixed schedule
92083, 92082 or 92081.
The three codes describe the depth of the test, not the device. The examples below come from CPT guidance as summarized by coding educators.
| Code | Level | Examples of testing that fits |
|---|---|---|
| 92081 | Limited | Tangent screen, arc perimeter, or a single stimulus level automated test |
| 92082 | Intermediate | At least two isopters on a Goldmann perimeter, or a suprathreshold automated test that is not fully quantified |
| 92083 | Extended | At least three isopters on a Goldmann perimeter, or full threshold automated programs such as 30-2, 24-2 or 30/60-2 that report sensitivity at each point |
Confrontation fields done during an exam are part of the general eye exam or E/M visit and are not reported with a field code. Screening devices and newer strategies may map to different levels; check the device manufacturer's coding guidance and your payer.
One unit, one session.
The field codes include both unilateral and bilateral testing. Medicare pays one unit whether one or both eyes are tested.
- No modifier 50, and eye modifiers RT and LT are not expected
- The three field codes are mutually exclusive; only the most extensive test performed that day is reported
- Taped and untaped fields for an eyelid evaluation count as one unit for the session
- A technician visit (99211) is bundled with the field test on the same day
Professional and technical parts
| Modifier | Meaning |
|---|---|
| None (global) | The same practice runs the test and interprets it |
| 26 | Professional component only: the interpretation and report |
| TC | Technical component only: the equipment, staff and testing |
Supervision and orders
- The test is performed under general supervision
- A technician cannot order the test; the treating doctor's order should state the reason
- Contractor billing articles require the ordering doctor's name and NPI on the claim
Medicare LCDs and covered diagnoses.
Several Medicare contractors publish a visual field LCD. Covered diagnosis codes are listed in each LCD's billing and coding article.
| Contractor | LCD | Billing article |
|---|---|---|
| First Coast Service Options (JN) | L33766 Visual Field Examination | A57637 |
| CGS Administrators (J15) | L34394 Visual Fields Testing | A56799 |
| WPS (J5, J8) | L34615 Visual Fields | A57483 |
| National Government Services (J6, JK) | L33574 Visual Fields Testing | A56551 |
Kinds of covered indications
- Glaucoma, and glaucoma suspect based on pressure, asymmetry or optic nerve findings
- Optic nerve and visual pathway disease, such as a pale or swollen disc
- Stroke, transient ischemia, intracranial mass or pressure, and giant cell arteritis
- Retinal disorders and unexplained vision loss
- Eyelid or orbital conditions that may affect the field, such as ptosis
- High-risk medications with known effects on vision
Common limitations
- Routine or screening fields are not covered
- Cataract patients without glaucoma or suspicion of it generally do not need fields
- Repeat fields for macular degeneration need a documented change in vision
- A diagnosis code on the list does not by itself prove medical necessity
How often fields are expected.
The visual field LCDs do not set a fixed national interval. They tie frequency to clinical change.
- For glaucoma, frequency depends on pressure changes, optic disc changes and new hemorrhages
- Fields performed more often than needed for management are not covered, and unusually frequent testing may be reviewed
- Some commercial plans limit fields for glaucoma suspects to once a year
- Repeat fields to evaluate the result of surgery are supported
Fields and optic nerve OCT (92133) are separate tests, but one Medicare contractor's imaging LCD (CGS L34061) says that in moderate glaucoma the two tests are expected to alternate, and doing both the same day or within about three months should be the exception with the reason in the record. The same LCD treats fields as the preferred test to follow advanced glaucoma.
The interpretation and report.
The interpretation is part of the code. A printout with no written reading, or a one-word note, is not enough.
- A dated order with the clinical reason for the test
- The test strategy used and which eye or eyes were tested
- Reliability, such as fixation losses and false responses
- Findings, such as defect pattern and global indices
- Comparison with prior fields and whether there is progression
- The diagnosis, the effect on management, and the doctor's signature and date
The visual field codes did not change for 2026. Medicare's 2026 fee schedule applied an efficiency adjustment to the work value of most non-time-based services, which may include diagnostic tests; check the 2026 fee schedule for your locality. CPT 2026 also added a screening dark adaptation code, which is a separate test and not a visual field service.
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Questions about CPT 92083
What is CPT code 92083?
It is the code for an extended visual field exam, such as threshold automated perimetry or Goldmann testing with at least three isopters, with the doctor's interpretation and report. It covers one or both eyes.
What is the CPT code for a Humphrey visual field?
It depends on the program. Full threshold programs such as 24-2 or 30-2 fit 92083. A suprathreshold program fits 92082, and a single-level screening test fits 92081.
What is the difference between 92083 and 92082?
92083 is a quantified threshold or three-isopter test. 92082 is an intermediate test, such as two Goldmann isopters or a suprathreshold automated test. Only one is reported per session.
Is 92083 billed per eye?
No. The code covers one or both eyes and is reported once per session, without modifier 50 or eye modifiers.
How often can a visual field be billed for glaucoma?
Medicare contractor LCDs do not set a fixed interval. Frequency should follow clinical need, such as pressure or optic disc changes. Some commercial plans limit glaucoma suspects to one field a year.
Can 92083 and 92133 be billed on the same day?
They are separate tests, but some contractor policies expect them to alternate in moderate glaucoma and want the reason documented when both are done on the same day or close together.
Sources
First Coast LCD L33766 and article A57637; CGS LCD L34394 and article A56799; WPS LCD L34615 and article A57483; National Government Services LCD L33574 and article A56551; CGS SCODI LCD L34061; AAPC Ophthalmology Coding Alert on visual field codes, July 2026; CPT Assistant, September 2010, as cited by AAPC; Review of Ophthalmology Coding and Reimbursement 2026 Update; CMS ICD-10-CM FY2026 code set.
Notes and disclosures
CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Descriptions here are Vision Rescue summaries, not official CPT descriptors. This page is general information for eye care professionals and billing staff, not legal, billing or coding advice. Payer rules vary; verify codes, modifiers and coverage with the current official code sets, your Medicare contractor and the patient's plan. Questions: providers@visionrescue.com or 1-855-692-8024.
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