More than 30 million Americans have glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. All of these conditions are progressive and have subtle early signs, so it’s highly likely that there are far more who don’t realize their visual field is impacted. CPT code 92082 represents intermediate threshold perimetry, and with these tests, you can identify and diagnose these conditions, then develop a treatment plan. Intermediate visual field testing isn’t appropriate for every patient, so knowing how to use this visual field CPT code correctly helps you support patient care and avoid reimbursement issues.

Summary

• CPT 92082 is the perimetry CPT code for an intermediate visual field test using threshold strategies.
• This test is medically necessary for patients with risk factors, suspected disease, or documented visual field loss.
• Following a structured documentation and visual field billing workflow ensures you capture full reimbursement.
• Using Virtual Field, perimetry is faster and more efficient for technicians, and more comfortable and accessible for patients.

What This Code Covers

According to the American Medical Association, CPT^® 92082 is defined as:

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

In practice, this means the exam is a step up from CPT 92081. Instead of a limited screening, CPT 92082 uses threshold perimetry to measure actual sensitivity at multiple points. If the patient has scotomas, this exam will reveal them and pinpoint their location.

This test is often performed on patients with suspected glaucoma visual field loss, unexplained visual changes, or neurological symptoms. Unlike CPT 92081, this is a medically directed diagnostic tool, rather than just a screening test.

The biggest difference between CPT 92082 (intermediate) and 92083 (extended) is the number of isopters. CPT code 92082 typically includes these visual field tests, but they must use no more than two isopters:

• 60-4
• C-20
• Superior 64
• Esterman
• Goldman visual field (kinetic perimetry)

When and Why to Use Code 92082 with Virtual Field

Use 92082 when you need more detail than a screening, but don’t yet require a full advanced map, such as 92083. Running a threshold perimetry exam at this stage helps you establish a clearer baseline and determine the presence or progression of common eye conditions.

For example, if you have a patient with a family history of glaucoma but few noticeable changes in their vision, you could incorporate this test into their annual exam. If 92082 reveals abnormalities, you’ll have a clear justification to follow up with a more comprehensive exam.

You can use these tests to gain insight into other conditions, like:

• Blepharoptosis
• Age-related macular degeneration
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Neurological conditions
• Eye injuries

Virtual Field includes 92082-appropriate tests that are billable, patient-friendly, and faster than using a traditional Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer. Without switching devices, you can transition from limited screenings to threshold perimetry, ensuring you don’t miss glaucoma or waste time.

Eligibility and Clinical Indications

Patients must have a medical justification for this level of testing. Unlike 92081, which doesn’t require strong justification, CPT 92082 typically requires the patient to have risk factors, early symptoms, or a documented diagnosis that needs monitoring. In other words, a glaucoma suspect could be eligible for intermediate visual field testing, but a patient with only risk factors would only be eligible for the limited exam.

You should use CPT 92082 for patients with:

• Glaucoma suspicion or family history of glaucoma
• Documented visual field loss
• Unexplained neurological complaints like headache, occasional vision loss, or a vague complaint of trouble seeing
• Abnormalities seen on a prior peripheral vision test (92081)

Most insurers and Medicare reimbursement visual field policies recognize 92082 when it’s supported by clinical justification. Always check local coverage determinations (LCDs) for payor-specific frequency limits.

Documentation Checklist

Proper billing for 92082 hinges on documentation. Make sure you’re using the right exam with reference to limited, intermediate, and extended visual field exams, and follow a checklist to make sure you’re including all the information you need.

CPT 92082 Documentation Checklist:

• Reason for testing (routine, risk factor, preventive)
• Patient history (brief ocular or systemic relevant history)
• Visual field results (automated output)
• Interpretation statement by the ophthalmologist or optometrist
• Signed report stored in the patient's chart

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For more on documenting medical necessity, watch this three-minute video from our director of customer success.

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Step-by-Step Billing Workflow

Follow these simple steps to conduct the 92082 correctly and bill appropriately.

Step 1: Order the Test

First, confirm medical necessity and document your reason for ordering threshold perimetry. Risk factors, existing conditions, symptoms, family history, and abnormal test results from a previous vision test may qualify.

Step 2: Technician Performance

Run the automated threshold exam using Virtual Field. The testing process only takes a few minutes, and all the reliability indices will be captured and synced with your EHR.

Step 3: Physician Interpretation

Review the field, document your findings, and sign off on the report. This step links the service to your visual field interpretation and report requirements.

Step 4: Claim Submission

Submit your claim using the appropriate CPT modifier visual field codes. Attach the correct visual field loss ICD-10 or related diagnosis code. Completing this step correctly is one of the easiest ways to ensure visual field reimbursement.

Relevant modifiers include:

• -26: Professional Component
• -TC: Technical Component
• -LT: Left Side
• -RT: Right Side

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Reimbursement and RVU Snapshot

The national average fee and relative value units( RVU) for CPT 92082 are set by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). They are maintained in the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS). These numbers can vary by region and by payor, so check for updates annually.

As of September 2025, the global period is zero days, meaning there are no bundled post-care limitations. Depending on your location, setting, and modifiers, CPT code 92082 is currently reimbursable between $45 and $60. The current wRVU per unit is 0.40.

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Common Denial Reasons and How to Avoid Them

Claims denials slow your reimbursement process, cause admin burden, and interrupt patient care. You can avoid most denials by checking claims for these common mistakes.

Incorrect Use of 92082

This code is not meant for initial screenings. Instead, it should be used for an intermediate exam that requires a reasonable justification, which must be documented before conducting the visual field exam.

Incorrect Modifiers

All visual field codes are presumed bilateral. Check for missing modifiers and only use LT/RT modifiers when absolutely necessary.

Payor-Specific LCD Limitations

LCDs define what Medicare considers “reasonable and necessary” for diagnosis or treatment. Threshold perimetry under CPT 92082 requires medical justification before testing. Be careful not to use more advanced tests for this intermediate code.

Documentation Gaps

Missing interpretation details, forgetting to sign the report, omitting the patient’s health history, or using the wrong type of justification can trigger denials.

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Strengthen Glaucoma Management with CPT 92082

CPT 92082 is the defining glaucoma visual field test to be used at the point where visual field testing becomes diagnostic rather than screening. Used correctly, it helps you confirm glaucoma risk, measure progression, and guide treatment. With Virtual Field, you can streamline the process, avoid common billing pitfalls, and provide patients with a more efficient and comfortable exam experience.

Ready to see how Virtual Field simplifies threshold perimetry? Schedule a demo and learn how to integrate advanced testing into your daily workflow.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical or coding advice. Last updated September 2025.