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The CPT® Code 0598T refers to a specialized procedure known as noncontact real-time fluorescence wound imaging, which is utilized to assess bacterial presence, location, and load within a wound. This innovative point-of-care service employs the MolecuLight i:X® device, a hand-held and portable imaging tool designed to provide immediate visual feedback regarding the infection-causing bacteria present in the wound bed and its surrounding area. The procedure is conducted in conjunction with a DarkDrape, which creates an optimal dark environment necessary for the accurate identification of bacteria through their fluorescence. During the imaging process, the device emits a safe violet light onto the wound, resulting in various tissue and bacterial components fluorescing in distinct colors. Notably, specific colors such as red and cyan are indicative of the presence of pathogenic bacterial species. The color red is associated with over 85% of common wound pathogens, including both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as aerobic and anaerobic species like Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli. The cyan fluorescence is particularly significant as it uniquely indicates the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The procedure not only captures real-time images but also records wound measurements digitally, facilitating early detection of infections. This timely identification allows healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans more effectively, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing healing times by addressing the specific bacterial load identified during the imaging process. For billing purposes, CPT® Code 0598T should be reported for the first anatomic site assessed, while CPT® Code 0599T is designated for each additional anatomic site evaluated.
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The noncontact real-time fluorescence wound imaging procedure is indicated for the assessment of bacterial presence, location, and load in wounds. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients with chronic or acute wounds where infection is a concern. The imaging helps in identifying the specific types of bacteria present, which can guide treatment decisions and improve healing outcomes.
The procedure for noncontact real-time fluorescence wound imaging involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of the wound. First, the healthcare provider prepares the wound area by ensuring it is clean and free from any debris that could interfere with imaging. Next, the DarkDrape is placed around the wound to create a dark environment, which is essential for the fluorescence imaging process. The MolecuLight i:X® device is then activated, and the provider positions it over the wound. The device emits a safe violet light onto the wound bed, causing various tissue and bacterial components to fluoresce in different colors. The provider carefully observes the fluorescence patterns, noting the presence of red and cyan colors, which indicate specific bacterial species. Throughout the imaging session, a digital record of the images is captured, along with precise measurements of the wound. This documentation is crucial for tracking changes over time and for planning targeted treatment strategies based on the identified bacterial load. Finally, the provider analyzes the results to determine the appropriate course of action for wound management.
After the noncontact real-time fluorescence wound imaging procedure, the healthcare provider will review the captured images and measurements to assess the bacterial load and presence. Based on the findings, a targeted treatment plan may be developed to address any identified infections. Patients may be advised on wound care practices and follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress. It is essential to document the results in the patient's medical record for ongoing evaluation and treatment adjustments as necessary. The timely identification of bacterial presence can significantly enhance the effectiveness of wound management strategies and improve overall patient outcomes.
| Short Descr | NCNTC R-T FLUOR WND IMG 1ST | Medium Descr | NONCONTACT R-T FLUOR WND IMG 1ST ANATOMIC SITE | Long Descr | Noncontact real-time fluorescence wound imaging, for bacterial presence, location, and load, per session; first anatomic site (eg, lower extremity) | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | 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, Multiple Reduction Applies | ASC Payment Indicator | Radiology service paid separately when provided integral to a surgical procedure on ASC list; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.
| 0599T | Add-on Code MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC N ASC N1 Noncontact real-time fluorescence wound imaging, for bacterial presence, location, and load, per session; each additional anatomic site (eg, upper extremity) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
| GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | 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. | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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 | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | 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.) | 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. | GF | Non-physician (e.g. nurse practitioner (np), certified registered nurse anesthetist (crna), certified registered nurse (crn), clinical nurse specialist (cns), physician assistant (pa)) services in a critical access hospital | KX | Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met | T1 | Left foot, second digit | T5 | Right foot, great toe | TA | Left foot, great toe | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2021-01-01 | Added | First appearance of code in code book. |
| 2020-07-01 | Added | Code added. |
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