Summary & Overview
CPT 92235: Fluorescein Angiography with Multiframe Timing, Interpretation
CPT code 92235 represents fluorescein angiography with multiframe timing and physician interpretation — a diagnostic imaging study that visualizes retinal and choroidal circulation using intravenous fluorescein dye. This test is widely used in ophthalmology to diagnose and manage retinal vascular diseases, macular degeneration, ocular tumors, and to plan some laser treatments. Nationally, the code matters because it defines coverage, reimbursement pathways, and documentation expectations for a commonly performed specialty imaging procedure.
Key payers in the national discussion include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage policies and prior-authorization requirements vary by payer, affecting where and how frequently the procedure is delivered and billed. Reimbursement rates and coding guidance from these payers influence ophthalmology practice patterns and facility billing across outpatient settings.
Readers will learn the clinical context for 92235, the typical service setting, and which major payers commonly cover the study. The publication also summarizes benchmarking and policy topics readers can expect, such as national reimbursement considerations, documentation standards for image interpretation and reporting, and payer-specific coverage nuances where publicly available. Data not available in the input will be clearly flagged in detailed sections.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 92235 describes fluorescein angiography with multiframe timing and interpretation. The procedure uses intravenous fluorescein dye to make the retinal and choroidal blood vessels stand out on photographic images taken through the pupil. The provider interprets the multiframe or serial images and prepares a report. Indications include evaluation of retinal vascular disease, macular degeneration, tumors of the eye, and preparation for certain laser treatments.
Service Type: Diagnostic ophthalmic imaging with intravenous dye and image interpretation
Typical Site of Service: Outpatient ophthalmology clinic, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital outpatient department
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 62-year-old patient with a history of type 2 diabetes and progressively blurred central vision is referred to a retinal specialist for evaluation. The patient reports metamorphopsia and intermittent scotoma in the right eye. Visual acuity is reduced to 20/60 in the affected eye. The retinal specialist performs a fluorescein angiography study to visualize retinal and choroidal vasculature using intravenous fluorescein dye, acquires multiframe timed and serial images through the pupil of one eye, interprets the images, documents areas of microaneurysms, macular edema, and neovascularization, and prepares a formal report.
Typical clinical workflow:
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Referral and indications: Patient referred for diagnostic angiography for diabetic retinopathy, suspected macular edema, or retinal vascular occlusion.
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Pre-procedure: Obtain informed consent, review allergies (especially to fluorescein), evaluate renal function if clinically indicated, explain possible sensations during dye injection (warmth, nausea), and verify any anticoagulation or pregnancy status.
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Procedure: Intravenous administration of fluorescein dye, timed multiframe and serial photographic imaging of the retina through the pupil for one or both eyes, capture and store images, and monitor for immediate adverse reactions.
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Post-procedure: Observe patient for a short period for adverse reactions, provide discharge instructions (possible yellow discoloration of skin/urine), and finalize the interpretive report with diagnostic impressions and recommended follow-up (e.g., anti-VEGF therapy, laser photocoagulation, or observation).
Typical site of service: Outpatient ophthalmology clinic, hospital outpatient department, or ambulatory surgical center where retinal imaging equipment and emergency response capability are available.
Service type: Diagnostic retinal angiography with interpretation and report using intravenous fluorescein.