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Near-infrared (NIR) dual imaging is a specialized diagnostic procedure that utilizes simultaneous reflective and trans-illuminated light to evaluate the function of the meibomian glands (MG). These glands, located along the edges of the upper and lower eyelids, play a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the tear film by secreting a lipid/protein fluid that prevents tear evaporation. Each upper eyelid contains approximately 30 meibomian glands, while the lower eyelid has about 25. Dysfunction of these glands, known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), can lead to various ocular symptoms, including dry eyes, discomfort, and blurred vision. MGD may arise from several factors, including infections, immune disorders, and hypersensitivity reactions, resulting in symptoms such as sandy or gritty sensations, dryness, local irritation, and visual disturbances. The imaging process involves the use of a trans-illumination device to evert the eyelid, allowing for the application of a NIR light source that captures high-definition images of the meibomian glands. These images are then processed and analyzed using specialized computer software, which aids in the interpretation and reporting of the findings. The CPT® Code 0507T specifically denotes the assessment of meibomian glands, whether performed unilaterally or bilaterally, and includes the interpretation and report necessary for comprehensive patient evaluation and treatment planning.
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The near-infrared dual imaging procedure is indicated for the assessment of meibomian gland function in patients exhibiting symptoms or conditions related to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure for near-infrared dual imaging of the meibomian glands involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment and documentation of gland function. The following procedural steps are outlined:
After the near-infrared dual imaging procedure, patients may be advised on post-procedure care, although specific guidelines are not explicitly mentioned. Generally, patients can expect to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. It is important for clinicians to review the interpretation report with the patient, discussing any findings related to meibomian gland function and potential treatment options. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the patient's condition and response to any recommended therapies. Additionally, clinicians should provide guidance on managing symptoms associated with meibomian gland dysfunction, which may include recommendations for warm compresses, eyelid hygiene, or other therapeutic interventions as deemed appropriate based on the findings.
| Short Descr | NEAR IFR 2IMG MIBMN GLND I&R | Medium Descr | NEAR INFRARED DUAL IMG MEIBOMIAN GLND UNI/BI I&R | Long Descr | Near infrared dual imaging (ie, simultaneous reflective and transilluminated light) of meibomian glands, unilateral or bilateral, with interpretation and report | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 7 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic ophthalmology services apply... | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | STV-Packaged Codes | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
| GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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) | 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 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. | 91 | Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient. | E2 | Lower left, eyelid | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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 | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | QW | Clia waived test | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles |
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| 2019-01-01 | Added | First appearance in codebook. |
| 2019-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2018-07-01 | Added | Code added. |
| 2018-01-01 | Added | Code added. |
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