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Official Description

Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; intermediate examination (eg, at least 2 isopters on Goldmann perimeter, or semiquantitative, automated suprathreshold screening program, Humphrey suprathreshold automatic diagnostic test, Octopus program 33)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 92082 refers to a visual field examination that assesses the total area in which a patient can perceive objects in their peripheral vision while maintaining focus on a central point. This examination can be conducted on one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral) and is crucial for identifying potential loss of peripheral vision, which may indicate underlying conditions such as glaucomatous optic nerve damage or retinal diseases. The procedure is categorized as an intermediate examination, which involves the use of specific testing methods to evaluate the visual field comprehensively. These methods include manual perimetry tests, such as the Goldmann perimeter, which requires the identification of at least two isopters, or automated testing programs like the Humphrey suprathreshold automatic diagnostic test and the Octopus program 33. During the examination, one eye is occluded while the other is tested to ensure accurate results. The automated devices used in this process, such as the Octopus and the Humphrey-Zeiss field analyzer, utilize static perimetry techniques, where patients respond to stationary light stimuli presented in various locations. The data collected during the examination is processed by an onboard computer, which generates a detailed report of the visual field. The traditional Goldmann perimeter employs a kinetic perimetry approach, where a trained technician moves a light source while ensuring the patient maintains central fixation, ultimately creating a map of the patient's peripheral vision perception. The interpretation of the results and the generation of a report are integral components of this examination.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The visual field examination coded as CPT® 92082 is indicated for various conditions and symptoms that may affect a patient's peripheral vision. The following are explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Glaucoma: A condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can lead to optic nerve damage and loss of peripheral vision.
  • Retinal Disease: Various diseases affecting the retina, which can impair vision and necessitate assessment of the visual field.
  • Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as stroke or tumors that may impact visual pathways and peripheral vision.
  • Visual Symptoms: Patients presenting with symptoms such as difficulty seeing in peripheral areas or noticing blind spots.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® 92082 involves several key steps to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the visual field. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is prepared for the examination by explaining the procedure and ensuring they understand the importance of maintaining focus on a central point during the test. One eye is occluded to isolate the visual field assessment to the other eye.
  • Step 2: Selection of Testing Method The technician selects the appropriate testing method based on the examination requirements. This may include manual perimetry using the Goldmann perimeter or automated testing using devices such as the Humphrey or Octopus systems.
  • Step 3: Conducting the Examination For manual perimetry, the technician moves a light source in various directions while the patient maintains central fixation. For automated testing, the patient responds to stationary light stimuli presented by the device. The technician monitors the patient's responses to ensure accurate data collection.
  • Step 4: Data Collection and Analysis The responses from the patient are recorded, and the data is processed by the testing device. The automated systems generate a visual field report based on the collected data, while manual tests require the technician to create a map of the patient's peripheral vision perception.
  • Step 5: Interpretation and Reporting The results of the visual field examination are interpreted, and a detailed report is generated. This report includes findings related to the patient's visual field and any abnormalities detected during the examination.

3. Post-Procedure

After the visual field examination coded as CPT® 92082, patients may be advised on follow-up care based on the results of the test. If any abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic testing or referrals to specialists may be recommended. Patients should be informed about the significance of the findings and any necessary next steps in their care. Additionally, the generated report should be documented in the patient's medical record for future reference and ongoing management of their visual health.

Short Descr INTERMEDIATE VISUAL FIELD XM
Medium Descr INTERMEDIATE VISUAL FIELD XM UNI/BI I&R
Long Descr Visual field examination, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report; intermediate examination (eg, at least 2 isopters on Goldmann perimeter, or semiquantitative, automated suprathreshold screening program, Humphrey suprathreshold automatic diagnostic test, Octopus program 33)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 7 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic ophthalmology services apply...
Bilateral Surgery (50) 2 - 150% payment adjustment does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator STV-Packaged Codes
Type of Service (TOS) Q - Vision Items or Services
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) M5C - Specialist - ophthalmology
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
24 Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period: the physician or other qualified health care professional may need to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a postoperative period for a reason(s) unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 24 to the appropriate level of e/m service.
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
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2024-01-01 Changed Short and Medium Descriptions changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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