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Ophthalmodynamometry (ODM) is a specialized diagnostic procedure utilized to measure the blood pressure within the central retinal artery or vein. This noninvasive technique is particularly significant in the assessment of ocular health and vascular conditions. During the procedure, an ophthalmoscopic examination is conducted on the central retinal artery and vein while the intraocular pressure is induced and gradually increased. To facilitate this examination, the patient's eyes are first dilated, and numbing drops are instilled to minimize discomfort. An ophthalmodynamometer, a precise instrument designed for this purpose, is then employed to apply pressure on the globe of the eye, directing it towards the center of the eyeball. The patient is instructed to maintain a fixed gaze straight ahead with the unaffected eye, ensuring stability during the measurement process. As pressure is applied, a calibrated plunger on the ophthalmodynamometer transmits the degree of eye compression to a unit scale. The procedure involves noting the reading at two critical points: first, when the central retinal artery ceases to pulsate and becomes completely collapsed and blanched due to the applied pressure, which provides the systolic measurement; and second, when the artery begins to pulsate again after the collapse, indicating the diastolic pressure measurement. The average diastolic value of retinal pressure is typically around 47 mm/Hg, while the systolic value averages 78 mm/Hg. These measurements are crucial for detecting retinal hypertension and assessing potential diseases related to the internal carotid artery, as there is a correlation between these measurements. Additionally, the pressure measured in the central retinal vein serves as a non-invasive screening method for suspected elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), as the pressure in the vein is influenced by the ICP due to the optic nerve being surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. When the central retinal vein collapses or pulsates, it indicates that the ICP is at least equal to or greater than the pressure within the optic nerve, making this procedure an important tool in ophthalmic and neurological assessments.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure of ophthalmodynamometry is indicated for several specific conditions and assessments related to ocular and vascular health. The following are the primary indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure of ophthalmodynamometry involves several critical steps to ensure accurate measurements of blood pressure within the central retinal artery and vein. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the ophthalmodynamometry procedure, patients may experience temporary visual disturbances due to the dilation of their pupils. It is generally recommended that patients avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the effects of the dilating drops have worn off. Additionally, the healthcare provider may discuss the results of the measurements with the patient, including any necessary follow-up evaluations or treatments based on the findings. Monitoring for any adverse reactions or complications is also advised, although the procedure is typically well-tolerated and non-invasive.
| Short Descr | OPHTHALMODYNAMOMETRY | Medium Descr | OPHTHALMODYNAMOMETRY | Long Descr | Ophthalmodynamometry | 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) | 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) | Q - Vision Items or Services | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | M5C - Specialist - ophthalmology | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment |
| 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. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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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