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Instrument-based ocular screening, as described by CPT® Code 99174, involves the use of specialized equipment to assess the visual health of both eyes. This procedure includes techniques such as photoscreening and automated refraction, which are essential for identifying amblyogenic factors that can impair vision in infants and children. Amblyogenic factors are conditions that can lead to amblyopia, commonly known as "lazy eye," and may include issues such as esotropia (inward turning of the eye), exotropia (outward turning of the eye), anisometropia (unequal refractive power in the eyes), cataracts, ptosis (drooping of the eyelid), hyperopia (farsightedness), and myopia (nearsightedness). During the screening process, a specialized camera is utilized to capture and analyze the eye's reflexes in response to visual stimuli. The setup involves positioning the patient appropriately to ensure optimal image acquisition. Depending on the technology employed, the captured images may either be reviewed directly by a physician or transmitted to a remote screening laboratory for analysis. In the latter case, a comprehensive report detailing the findings is sent back to the physician for further evaluation. Alternatively, some systems allow for automated analysis to be conducted on-site, providing immediate data to the healthcare provider. Automated refraction, another component of this procedure, employs an automated refraction system to obtain precise measurements of the patient's refractive error. This process includes taking readings from the patient's current glasses and entering relevant patient information into the system. An automated phoropter is then utilized to perform subjective refractions for both eyes, allowing for a comparison between the automated and subjective results. This ensures that the final prescription reflects the best possible visual correction as determined by the patient's feedback during testing.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The instrument-based ocular screening procedure, as defined by CPT® Code 99174, is indicated for the following conditions and symptoms:
The procedure for instrument-based ocular screening involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of the patient's visual health:
After the completion of the instrument-based ocular screening, the physician will review the findings from the analysis. If the screening indicates any potential visual impairments or conditions requiring further evaluation, appropriate referrals or follow-up appointments may be recommended. The patient may also receive guidance on any necessary interventions or treatments based on the results of the screening. It is important for the physician to communicate the findings clearly to the patient’s guardians and discuss any next steps in the management of the child's visual health.
| Short Descr | OCULAR INSTRUMNT SCREEN BIL | Medium Descr | INSTRUMENT BASED OCULAR SCR BI W/RMT ANAL & RPT | Long Descr | Instrument-based ocular screening (eg, photoscreening, automated-refraction), bilateral; with remote analysis and report | Status Code | Non-Covered Service | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Non-Covered Service, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P4E - Eye procedure - other | MUE | 0 | 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. | 33 | Preventive services: when the primary purpose of the service is the delivery of an evidence based service in accordance with a us preventive services task force a or b rating in effect and other preventive services identified in preventive services mandates (legislative or regulatory), the service may be identified by adding 33 to the procedure. for separately reported services specifically identified as preventive, the modifier should not be used. | 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 | 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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| 2016-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2008-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2008. |
| 1991-12-31 | Deleted | Code deleted. |
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