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Radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography is a specialized radiologic examination that focuses on the nasolacrimal ducts, commonly known as tear ducts. This procedure is conducted to evaluate conditions associated with excessive tearing and to assess the patency, or openness, of the lacrimal drainage system, as well as to identify any underlying pathologies. During the examination, a radioisotope labeled medium, which may include types such as Indium or Technetium 99m, is injected into the lacrimal system. Prior to the injection, anesthetic drops are applied to the eyes to minimize discomfort. The lacrimal canaliculi, which are small channels that drain tears from the eyes, are then cannulated to facilitate the introduction of the radioisotope. Following the injection, a series of radiographic images are captured at various oblique angles to visualize the lacrimal pathways effectively. The physician analyzes these images for signs of abnormalities, including stenosis (narrowing of the ducts), blockages, growths, or the presence of fistulae (abnormal connections). It is important to note that this CPT® code specifically reports the radiologic component of the dacryocystography procedure, and a comprehensive written report detailing the findings is generated for further evaluation and management.
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Radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography is indicated for the evaluation of various conditions related to the lacrimal drainage system. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:
The procedure for radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography involves several key steps that ensure accurate imaging and assessment of the lacrimal drainage system. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography, patients may be monitored briefly to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions to the procedure. It is common for patients to experience some temporary discomfort or irritation in the eyes due to the anesthetic drops and the cannulation process. Patients are typically advised to avoid rubbing their eyes and to follow any specific post-procedure care instructions provided by the physician. The results of the procedure, as detailed in the written report, will guide further management and treatment options based on the findings observed during the examination.
| Short Descr | NUCLEAR EXAM OF TEAR FLOW | Medium Descr | RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL DACRYOCYSTOGRAPHY | Long Descr | Radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography | 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) | 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 | Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple | ASC Payment Indicator | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1E - Standard imaging - nuclear medicine | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 209 - Radioisotope scan and function studies |
| 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. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | MG | The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | 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 |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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