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Ophthalmic ultrasound (US) is a diagnostic imaging technique that employs high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the eye's internal structures. This non-invasive procedure is particularly valuable for assessing acute vision-threatening conditions or identifying abnormal pathologies that may be discovered during routine eye examinations. The unique fluid-filled composition of the eye enhances the effectiveness of ultrasound imaging, allowing for precise visualization of various ocular components. Ophthalmic ultrasound can serve as the primary diagnostic modality for detecting anomalies within the eye or act as a complementary tool alongside other imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).
Within the realm of ophthalmic ultrasound, two specific types are utilized: the A-scan and the B-scan. The A-scan, or time amplitude scan, generates vertical lines along a baseline by directing thin, parallel sound beams toward a targeted area of tissue. This method produces an image that represents the interfacing of different tissues, making it particularly useful for distinguishing between intraocular tumors, extraocular muscles, and the optic nerve. Additionally, the A-scan is instrumental in measuring the thickness of the lacrimal gland, evaluating the paranasal sinus and nasolacrimal systems, and assessing conditions in the post-scleral and sub-Tenon's space.
Conversely, the B-scan, or brightness amplitude scan, utilizes an oscillating sound beam, with the resulting echoes displayed as pixelated images on a computer screen. This technique allows for the analysis of intraocular structures, providing insights into their shape and anatomical relationships. The B-scan is effective in identifying foreign bodies, unusual calcium deposits, anterior orbital tumors, myositis-induced tendon thickening, and the enlargement of the superior ophthalmic vein. When used in conjunction, the A-scan and B-scan can be superimposed to enhance diagnostic accuracy for conditions such as ocular tumors, tissue detachment, cataracts, and traumatic injuries. The specific CPT® code 76510 is designated for instances when both B-scan and quantitative A-scan diagnostic ophthalmic ultrasound are performed during the same patient encounter.
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Ophthalmic ultrasound, specifically the combination of B-scan and quantitative A-scan, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where detailed imaging of the eye is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the use of this diagnostic procedure:
The procedure for performing ophthalmic ultrasound with both B-scan and quantitative A-scan involves several key steps to ensure accurate imaging and diagnosis. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the ophthalmic ultrasound procedure, patients may experience minimal discomfort, which typically resolves quickly. There are generally no specific post-procedure care instructions required, as the procedure is non-invasive and does not involve any recovery time. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately following the examination. However, it is essential for the physician to discuss the results of the ultrasound with the patient, including any necessary follow-up actions or additional testing that may be required based on the findings. Documentation of the procedure and its outcomes should be completed promptly to ensure accurate medical records and facilitate any further care needed.
| Short Descr | OPH US DX B-SCAN&QUAN A-SCAN | Medium Descr | OPHTHALMIC US DX B-SCAN&QUAN A-SCAN SM PT ENCTR | Long Descr | Ophthalmic ultrasound, diagnostic; B-scan and quantitative A-scan performed during the same patient encounter | 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) | 7 - Special payment adjustment rules on the technical component (TC) of multiple diagnostic ophthalmology services 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) | P4E - Eye procedure - other | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 192 - Diagnostic ultrasound of head and neck |
| LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 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). | 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. | 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). | 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. | 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). | 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. | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | FA | Left hand, thumb | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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 | 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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| 2021-01-01 | Changed | Short and medium descriptions changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2005-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2005. |
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