What type of code would you use for a comprehensive eye examination?

For a comprehensive eye examination, an Evaluation and Management (E/M) code is appropriate because these codes are used to report face-to-face encounters between patients and healthcare providers, primarily focused on diagnosing and managing a patient's condition. A comprehensive eye examination involves a thorough assessment of the patient's eye health, including the review of medical history, the performance of various tests, and the assessment of conditions related to their vision and overall eye health.

E/M codes are specifically designed to encompass the various components involved in such examinations, which not only include the technical aspects of the eye exam but also the clinician's evaluation, decision-making processes, and the time spent with the patient. This is essential for proper documentation in electronic health records and for insurance billing purposes.

While surgical codes pertain to procedures involving surgical interventions, ophthalmic codes can be broader, often including specialized services but not necessarily for the comprehensive eye exam specifically. Evaluation codes do not fully represent the complexity and breadth of the service provided during a comprehensive eye examination, which is why the E/M code is the correct choice in this scenario.