CPT® Code 0604T

1. Indications

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) using CPT® Code 0604T is indicated for patients with specific retinal conditions that require ongoing monitoring and assessment. The primary indications include:

• Neovascular Retinal Diseases These conditions, such as exudative age-related macular degeneration, can lead to significant vision impairment and necessitate regular imaging to evaluate disease progression and treatment efficacy.
• Monitoring of Retinal Fluid The procedure is essential for detecting the presence of intra- and subretinal fluid, which can indicate worsening disease and the need for timely intervention.
• Assessment of Choroidal Neovascularization Early detection of leakage and choroidal neovascularization is critical for preserving vision in patients with retinal diseases.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 0604T involves several key steps to ensure proper use of the home-based optical coherence tomography device:

• Initial Device Provision The first step involves providing the patient with the OCT device, which is designed for home use. This includes ensuring that the patient has all necessary components and accessories required for operation.
• Set-Up of Equipment The patient is guided through the setup process, which includes positioning the device correctly on a stable surface, such as a table, and ensuring that it is powered on and ready for use.
• Patient Education A crucial part of the procedure is educating the patient on how to operate the device. This tutorial covers how to position their eyes correctly, how to initiate the image capture process, and how to transmit the captured images to the remote surveillance center.
• Image Capture Once the patient is familiar with the device, they will perform the image capture. The patient will rest their eyes on the built-in binoculars and follow the prompts to generate the necessary images of their retina.
• Data Transmission After capturing the images, the patient will transmit the data to a remote surveillance center for analysis. This step is essential for ensuring that the treating physician receives timely information regarding the patient's retinal health.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, the patient can expect to receive feedback based on the transmitted images. The proprietary algorithm will analyze the captured data and generate a report that highlights any significant changes in the patient's retinal condition. This report is then sent to the treating physician for review. The patient may be advised on the frequency of future imaging sessions and any necessary follow-up appointments based on the findings. Continuous monitoring through this remote OCT process allows for proactive management of retinal diseases, potentially preventing further vision loss.