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The ocular tear film is a crucial component of eye health, consisting of three distinct layers: a lipid outer layer that minimizes tear evaporation, an aqueous middle layer that provides moisture, and a mucus inner layer that helps adhere the tear film to the corneal epithelium. Tear film imaging is a diagnostic procedure designed to evaluate the tear film's characteristics by quantifying its height, assessing its stability, and identifying any dry spots that may be present. This imaging can be performed unilaterally (on one eye) or bilaterally (on both eyes) and is essential for diagnosing conditions related to dry eye syndrome and other ocular surface disorders. The procedure employs advanced technologies such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ellipsometry. OCT utilizes light waves to create high-resolution, non-invasive images of the anterior segment of the eye, including the boundaries of the tear film. On the other hand, ellipsometry analyzes the polarization states of light to determine the thickness and refractive index of the lipid layer of the tear film. Often, these two methods are used in conjunction to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the tear film, which is vital for ensuring accurate refraction when fitting corrective lenses and achieving successful outcomes in cataract and refractive surgeries.
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The procedure of tear film imaging is indicated for various ocular conditions and symptoms that may affect the tear film and overall eye health. These indications include:
The procedure for tear film imaging involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment and interpretation of the tear film characteristics. These steps include:
After the tear film imaging procedure, patients may be advised on any necessary follow-up care or additional evaluations based on the findings. Typically, there are no specific post-procedure restrictions, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately. However, if any abnormalities are detected, the clinician may recommend further diagnostic testing or treatment options to address underlying conditions affecting the tear film and ocular surface health.
| Short Descr | TEAR FILM IMG UNI/BI W/I&R | Medium Descr | TEAR FILM IMAGING UNILATERAL OR BILATERAL W/I&R | Long Descr | Tear film imaging, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | T2D - Other tests - other | MUE | 1 |
| LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | E2 | Lower left, eyelid | E4 | Lower right, eyelid | EY | No physician or other licensed health care provider order for this item or service | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GX | Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit |
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| 2014-01-01 | Added | First appearance in codebook. |
| 2013-07-01 | Added | Code Added |
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