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Official Description

Visual evoked potential, testing for glaucoma, with interpretation and report

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The visual evoked potential (VEP) test for glaucoma is a specialized diagnostic procedure designed to evaluate the functionality of the afferent visual pathway. This test involves the presentation of a patterned visual stimulus, which can be a light flash or a black-and-white pattern reversal, to the patient. The response generated by the visual stimulus is then captured using scalp electrodes placed along the occipital cortex, the area of the brain responsible for processing visual information. The results of the VEP test are represented graphically, illustrating the speed and strength of the visual response through positive and negative waveforms. This graphical representation aids in assessing the integrity of the visual pathway. The VEP test is particularly useful for non-verbal patients or those who may have difficulty communicating their visual experiences, as it provides an objective measure to confirm the presence of an intact visual pathway, especially in cases where patients report vision loss without any identifiable organic pathology.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The visual evoked potential (VEP) test for glaucoma is indicated for specific clinical scenarios where assessment of the visual pathway is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the use of this test:

  • Non-verbal individuals - The VEP test is particularly beneficial for patients who are unable to communicate their visual experiences effectively, allowing for an objective assessment of visual function.
  • Vision loss without organic pathology - This test may be utilized to confirm the integrity of the visual pathway in patients who report vision loss but do not exhibit any identifiable organic causes for their symptoms.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a visual evoked potential (VEP) test for glaucoma involves several key steps to ensure accurate results. First, the patient is positioned comfortably, and scalp electrodes are placed on the occipital region of the head to capture the electrical responses generated by the brain in response to visual stimuli. Next, a patterned visual stimulus, such as a light flash or a black-and-white pattern reversal, is presented to the patient. This stimulus is designed to evoke a response from the visual system. As the patient views the stimulus, the electrodes record the brain's electrical activity, which reflects the processing of visual information. The recorded data is then analyzed and displayed as a graph, illustrating the speed and strength of the visual evoked potential through positive and negative waveforms. This graphical representation is crucial for interpreting the results and assessing the integrity of the afferent visual pathway.

3. Post-Procedure

After the visual evoked potential (VEP) test is completed, the patient may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse effects from the procedure. Typically, there are no specific post-procedure care requirements, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately following the test. The results of the VEP test will be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional, who will provide a detailed report outlining the findings. This report is essential for guiding further clinical decisions and management of the patient's visual health.

Short Descr VISUAL EP TEST FOR GLAUCOMA
Medium Descr VISUAL EP TESTING FOR GLAUCOMA W/INTERPJ & REPRT
Long Descr Visual evoked potential, testing for glaucoma, 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 Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
Date
Action
Notes
2018-01-01 Added First appearance in codebook.
2018-01-01 Added Code Added.
2017-01-01 Added New Code for 2017
Code
Description
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