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Official Description

Ophthalmic biometry by ultrasound echography, A-scan; with intraocular lens power calculation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Ophthalmic biometry by ultrasound echography is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes a single dimension, amplitude (A-scan) modulated sound beam emitted from the tip of an ultrasound probe. This technique is specifically designed to measure the length of the eye, which is a critical factor in determining the appropriate refractive power needed for intraocular lens (IOL) implants. The procedure is particularly significant in the context of cataract surgery, where the natural crystalline lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The cornea and crystalline lens together provide the eye's refractive power, and accurate measurements are essential to ensure that the IOL is correctly calculated to restore optimal vision. The data obtained from the A-scan, in conjunction with keratometry measurements, are applied to a formula that calculates the necessary power of the IOL. It is important to note that while code 76516 is designated for ophthalmic biometry (A-scan) alone, code 76519 specifically encompasses the procedure of ophthalmic biometry (A-scan) along with the intraocular lens power calculation, highlighting its comprehensive nature in the context of cataract surgery and vision correction.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of ophthalmic biometry by ultrasound echography, A-scan with intraocular lens power calculation, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Cataracts - This procedure is primarily performed for patients undergoing cataract surgery, where the natural lens of the eye is removed due to opacification.
  • Refractive Errors - It is also indicated for patients with refractive errors who may require an IOL to correct vision post-surgery.
  • Preoperative Assessment - The procedure is utilized in the preoperative assessment of patients to determine the appropriate power of the IOL needed for optimal visual outcomes.

2. Procedure

The procedure of ophthalmic biometry by ultrasound echography, A-scan with intraocular lens power calculation involves several key steps:

  • Preparation of the Patient - The patient is positioned comfortably, and the eye being examined is prepared for the procedure. This may involve the application of topical anesthetic drops to minimize discomfort during the ultrasound examination.
  • Application of the Ultrasound Probe - The ultrasound probe is gently placed on the surface of the eye, typically after applying a coupling gel to ensure proper transmission of sound waves. The probe emits a single dimension, amplitude-modulated sound beam that travels through the eye.
  • Measurement of Eye Length - The A-scan ultrasound measures the length of the eye by detecting the time it takes for the sound waves to travel to the retina and back. This measurement is crucial for calculating the necessary power of the intraocular lens.
  • Keratometry Measurements - In conjunction with the A-scan, keratometry may be performed to measure the curvature of the cornea, which is another important factor in determining the appropriate IOL power.
  • Calculation of IOL Power - The measurements obtained from the A-scan and keratometry are then applied to a specific formula that calculates the power of the intraocular lens required for optimal vision correction in the treated eye.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the ophthalmic biometry procedure, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate complications. Post-procedure care typically includes advising the patient on any necessary follow-up appointments for cataract surgery or further assessments. Patients may also be instructed to avoid rubbing their eyes and to report any unusual symptoms, such as significant discomfort or changes in vision. The results of the biometry, including the calculated IOL power, will be documented and communicated to the surgical team for planning the cataract surgery.

Short Descr ECHO EXAM OF EYE
Medium Descr OPH BMTRY US ECHOGRAPY A-SCAN IO LENS PWR CAL
Long Descr Ophthalmic biometry by ultrasound echography, A-scan; with intraocular lens power calculation
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) 2 - 150% payment adjustment 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) I3A - Echography/ultrasonography - eye
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 192 - Diagnostic ultrasound of head and neck
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)
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
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).
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).
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.)
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.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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.
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).
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
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
CA Procedure payable only in the inpatient setting when performed emergently on an outpatient who expires prior to admission
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
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
E4 Lower right, eyelid
FT Unrelated evaluation and management (e/m) visit on the same day as another e/m visit or during a global procedure (preoperative, postoperative period, or on the same day as the procedure, as applicable). (report when an e/m visit is furnished within the global period but is unrelated, or when one or more additional e/m visits furnished on the same day are unrelated)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LL Lease/rental (use the 'll' modifier when dme equipment rental is to be applied against the purchase price)
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
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
T6 Right foot, second digit
TR School-based individualized education program (iep) services provided outside the public school district responsible for the student
U6 Medicaid level of care 6, as defined by each state
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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