M1221 HCPCS code: Dilated retinal eye exam with interpretation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or artificial intelligence (ai) interpretation documented and reviewed; without evidence of retinopathy
M1221 is the HCPCS Level II code for dilated retinal eye exam with interpretation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or artificial intelligence (ai) interpretation documented and reviewed; without evidence of retinopathy. Its Medicare coverage code is C (Carrier judgment): Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | M codes — Medical services and quality measures |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 00 — Not separately priced by Medicare |
| BETOS category | Z2 |
| Added | 2024-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2024-01-01 |
What changed for M1221
- 2024-01-01: M1221 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code M1221?
M1221 is the HCPCS Level II code for dilated retinal eye exam with interpretation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist or artificial intelligence (ai) interpretation documented and reviewed; without evidence of retinopathy. Short descriptor: "Dre w/o rtnopthy".
Does Medicare cover M1221?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
Related M12 codes
- M1200 — Ace inhibitor (ace-i) or arb therapy prescribed during the measurement period
- M1201 — Documentation of medical reason(s) for not prescribing ace inhibitor (ace-i) or arb therapy during the measurement period (e.g., pregnancy, history of angioedema to ace-i, other allergy to ace-i and arb, hyperkalemia or history of hyperkalemia while on ace-i or arb therapy, acute kidney injury due to ace-i or arb therapy), other medical reasons)
- M1202 — Documentation of patient reason(s) for not prescribing ace inhibitor or arb therapy during the measurement period, (e.g., patient declined, other patient reasons)
- M1203 — Ace inhibitor or arb therapy not prescribed during the measurement period, reason not given
- M1204 — Initial (index visit) numeric rating scale (nrs), visual rating scale (vrs), or itchyquant assessment score of greater than or equal to 4
- M1205 — Itch severity assessment score is reduced by 3 or more points from the initial (index) assessment score to the follow-up visit score
- M1206 — Itch severity assessment score was not reduced by at least 3 points from initial (index) score to the follow-up visit score or assessment was not completed during the follow-up encounter
- M1207 — Patient is screened for food insecurity, housing instability, transportation needs, utility difficulties, and interpersonal safety
- M1208 — Patient is not screened for food insecurity, housing instability, transportation needs, utility difficulties, and interpersonal safety
- M1209 — At least two orders for high-risk medications from the same drug class, (table 4), without appropriate diagnoses
- M1210 — At least two orders for high-risk medications from the same drug class, (table 4), not ordered
- M1211 — Most recent glycemic status assessment (hba1c or gmi) level > 9.0%
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under M1221
- Watch M1221 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for M1221
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2025; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.