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Official Description

Radiologic examination, eye, for detection of foreign body

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A radiologic examination of the eye, coded as CPT® 70030, is specifically designed to detect the presence of a foreign body that may have become embedded in the eye tissue. This procedure typically involves the use of plain films, which are X-ray images that produce a two-dimensional representation of the eye. The examination is primarily indicated when there is a suspicion of a metallic foreign body, as these types of objects are visible on plain films. Other materials, such as organic or non-metallic foreign bodies, may not be detectable through this imaging technique. During the procedure, one or more views of the eye are captured to ensure a comprehensive assessment. Following the imaging, the physician meticulously reviews the obtained images and generates a detailed written report outlining the findings, which is essential for guiding further clinical management and treatment decisions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The radiologic examination of the eye, CPT® 70030, is indicated in specific clinical scenarios where there is a concern for foreign body presence. The following conditions warrant this examination:

  • Suspected Metallic Foreign Body The procedure is primarily performed when there is a suspicion that a metallic object has become lodged in the eye, as these are detectable through plain films.
  • Trauma to the Eye Any incident of eye trauma that raises the possibility of a foreign body may necessitate this examination to rule out or confirm the presence of such an object.
  • Visual Disturbances Patients experiencing unexplained visual disturbances may require this examination to determine if a foreign body is the underlying cause.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting a radiologic examination of the eye involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and assessment. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Preparation of the Patient The patient is positioned appropriately, often seated or standing, to facilitate optimal imaging of the eye. The physician may explain the procedure to the patient to alleviate any anxiety and ensure cooperation during the imaging process.
  • Acquisition of Images The radiologic technologist will obtain one or more plain film X-ray images of the eye. The specific views taken will depend on the clinical suspicion and the physician's judgment. Care is taken to minimize exposure to surrounding tissues while ensuring that the eye is adequately visualized.
  • Review of Images After the images are captured, the physician reviews the radiographs to identify any foreign bodies present. This review is critical for determining the next steps in management, whether that involves further imaging, referral to a specialist, or immediate intervention.
  • Documentation of Findings Finally, the physician compiles a written report detailing the findings from the examination. This report includes observations regarding the presence or absence of foreign bodies, any associated injuries, and recommendations for further action if necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a radiologic examination of the eye typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate reactions to the imaging process. The physician will discuss the findings from the examination with the patient, including whether a foreign body was detected and the implications for treatment. If a foreign body is identified, further management may be required, which could include referral to an ophthalmologist for removal or additional therapeutic interventions. Patients are advised to report any new symptoms or changes in vision following the procedure, and follow-up appointments may be scheduled to ensure proper care and recovery.

Short Descr X-RAY EYE FOR FOREIGN BODY
Medium Descr RADIOLOGIC EXAMINATION EYE DETECT FOREIGN BODY
Long Descr Radiologic examination, eye, for detection of foreign body
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 3 - The usual 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
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 4 - Diagnostic Radiology
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I1F - Standard imaging - other
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment
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.
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
FY X-ray taken using computed radiography technology/cassette-based imaging
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
Q5 Service furnished under a reciprocal billing arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
SC Medically necessary service or supply
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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