Diabetic Retinopathy Screening


Diabetic Retinopathy Screening


The most common cause of vision loss in diabetes patients is diabetic retinopathy. It can affect people with all types of diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational). Diabetic retinopathy is also a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among working-age adults.

Between 40 and 45% of Americans with diabetes have some stage of diabetic retinopathy and only about half are aware of it. All forms of diabetic eye disease have the potential to cause severe vision loss and blindness.

With so many people with diabetes or prediabetes (nearly half of American adults, according to the American Diabetes Association), early detection of diabetic retinopathy is critical.

Early Detection

When caught early, this eye disease can be treated for as little as $800. Caught in later stages, it can be treated for approximately $11,000. Early screening is advised, as the early stages of diabetic retinopathy usually have no symptoms. Breakthrough technology makes it possible to perform retinal exams in primary care settings.

With the Welch Allyn RetinaVue™ 100 Imager, in conjunction with the RetinaVue™ Network, providers can easily perform retinal exams in a primary care setting using a simple four step process.

1. Acquire non-mydriatic fundus images in minutes, using your choice of industry-leading innovative handheld and desktop retinal cameras
2. Transfer images via the HIPAA-compliant RetinaVue™ Network Software
3. Images can be evaluated by state-licensed, board-certified ophthalmologists at RetinaVue P.C. or with no fee for self interpretation by your staff eye specialists
4. A complete diagnostic report and management plan is returned from RetinaVue P.C. the same day - usually in 90 minutes.

You can screen for diabetic retinopathy as part of a patient’s routine visit or a pre-scheduled screening day with automated non-mydriatic camera technology linked to board-certified retinal specialists via the secure RetinaVue Network.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance, which administers the HEDIS measure for diabetic eye exams, has validated that RetinaVue satisfies the HEDIS measure.

Reimbursement Information


Most top healthcare plans now reimburse for retinal screenings. The national average reimbursement for this service is $75/exam, with 92250 being the code most often accepted by health plans. Clinics should verify codes and rates with their payers.