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Official Description

Computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging (eg, optical coherence tomography [OCT]), anterior segment, with interpretation and report, unilateral or bilateral

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging, specifically optical coherence tomography (OCT), is a sophisticated, noninvasive imaging technique utilized to visualize the structures of the anterior segment of the eye. This method employs the principle of backscattering of light to create detailed images, allowing for the assessment of various ocular conditions. The procedure is particularly valuable in diagnosing glaucoma and certain macular abnormalities, which are critical for maintaining ocular health. During the imaging process, the patient is positioned in front of a specialized scanning device and is instructed to focus on a designated target within the system. This ensures that the images captured are accurate and centered. Once the scanner is properly aligned, the imaging scan is performed, resulting in a series of detailed images of the anterior segment. These images are then meticulously reviewed and accepted by the physician, who utilizes advanced computerized scanning software to analyze the data. This analysis aids in the identification of key anatomical landmarks and the measurement of relevant parameters necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Following the imaging, the physician interprets the scan results and compiles a comprehensive written report detailing the findings, which is essential for guiding further clinical decisions and patient management.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging using optical coherence tomography (OCT) is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Glaucoma Diagnosis This procedure is utilized to detect and monitor glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss.
  • Macular Abnormalities OCT is employed to identify selected macular abnormalities, which may include conditions such as macular degeneration or macular edema, that can affect central vision.

2. Procedure

The procedure for computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging (OCT) involves several key steps to ensure accurate and effective imaging of the anterior segment of the eye:

  • Patient Positioning The patient is seated comfortably in front of the OCT scanning device. Proper positioning is crucial for obtaining high-quality images, and the patient is instructed to fixate on a specific target within the scanning system to maintain focus during the imaging process.
  • Scanner Alignment The technician or physician aligns and centers the scanner to ensure that the images captured will accurately represent the anterior segment structures. This step is essential for minimizing artifacts and ensuring the clarity of the images.
  • Image Acquisition Once the scanner is properly aligned, the imaging scan is initiated. The OCT device uses light waves to capture cross-sectional images of the eye, allowing for detailed visualization of the anterior segment structures.
  • Image Review and Acceptance After the scan is completed, the obtained images are reviewed by the physician or technician. They assess the quality of the images and accept those that meet the necessary criteria for further analysis.
  • Image Analysis The physician utilizes the computerized scanning software to analyze the accepted images. This analysis involves identifying key anatomical landmarks and taking necessary measurements that are critical for formulating a diagnosis.
  • Interpretation and Reporting Finally, the physician interprets the results of the scan, synthesizing the findings into a comprehensive written report. This report includes the analysis of the images and is essential for guiding treatment planning and further clinical decision-making.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging typically involves providing the patient with the results of the OCT scan. The physician will discuss the findings detailed in the written report, which may include recommendations for further evaluation or treatment based on the results. There are generally no specific recovery requirements associated with this noninvasive procedure, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the imaging is completed. However, it is important for patients to follow any additional instructions provided by their healthcare provider regarding follow-up appointments or further diagnostic testing if necessary.

Short Descr CPTRZD OPH DX IMG ANT SGM
Medium Descr CPTRIZED OPH DX IMG ANTERIOR SEGMENT UNI/BI
Long Descr Computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging (eg, optical coherence tomography [OCT]), anterior segment, with interpretation and report, unilateral or bilateral
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
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment
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).
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.
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).
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
5G Gjb1, commonly called connexin-32 (x-linked charcot-marie-tooth disease)
24 Unrelated evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during a postoperative period: the physician or other qualified health care professional may need to indicate that an evaluation and management service was performed during a postoperative period for a reason(s) unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 24 to the appropriate level of e/m service.
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.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.)
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
E2 Lower left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
GL Medically unnecessary upgrade provided instead of non-upgraded item, no charge, no advance beneficiary notice (abn)
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
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
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short, Medium, and Long Descriptions changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2011-01-01 Added Added
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