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Fluorescein angioscopy is a specialized ophthalmic procedure that utilizes a modified microscope to examine the capillary vessels within the eye, particularly focusing on the retinal periphery. This technique is essential for assessing and evaluating various lesions that may be present in the eye. The procedure involves the injection of fluorescein dye into a peripheral vein, or alternatively, the application of fluorescence sodium salt externally. An indirect ophthalmoscope is employed to direct light into the eye, allowing the fluorescein dye or sodium to illuminate the vascular areas under examination. This illumination enables the physician to visualize and differentiate the vascular structures in relation to surrounding areas and anatomical landmarks. A cobalt blue filter is often utilized during the procedure, which is meticulously adjusted to ensure that only blue light is used to illuminate the retina. This results in partial fluorescence that is visible through the microscope, producing a blue image that aids in identifying the precise location of any retinal lesions. Additionally, interference bandpass filters, such as barrier filters, may be applied to eliminate all light from the fluorescence except for specific wavelengths, enhancing the clarity of the images obtained. The use of acidic, yellowish-green fluorescent sodium is particularly beneficial for identifying corneal trauma and injuries. Throughout the procedure, digital imaging is generated, allowing for the storage, printing, and transfer of the images. Following the examination, the physician is responsible for providing a comprehensive written interpretation and report detailing the findings from the fluorescein angioscopy.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The fluorescein angioscopy procedure is indicated for various conditions and symptoms related to the eye, particularly those involving the retinal and vascular structures. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing fluorescein angioscopy:
The fluorescein angioscopy procedure involves several critical steps that ensure accurate examination and evaluation of the eye's vascular structures. The following procedural steps are performed:
Post-procedure care following fluorescein angioscopy typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate adverse reactions to the fluorescein dye. Patients may experience temporary visual disturbances or discoloration of urine due to the dye, which is generally harmless. The physician may provide specific instructions regarding follow-up appointments or additional evaluations if necessary. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms or concerns that arise after the procedure. Overall, the recovery process is usually straightforward, with most patients resuming normal activities shortly after the examination.
| Short Descr | FLUORESCEIN ANGIOSCOPY I&R | Medium Descr | FLUORESCEIN ANGIOSCOPY INTERPRETATION & REPORT | Long Descr | Fluorescein angioscopy with interpretation and report | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | 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 | Type of Service (TOS) | Q - Vision Items or Services | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | M5C - Specialist - ophthalmology | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment |
| 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. | 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. | 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) | E2 | Lower left, eyelid | 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) |
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| 2024-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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