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The CPT® Code 0599T 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 portable and hand-held 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 fluorescence imaging process. During the procedure, the device emits a safe violet light onto the wound, causing various tissue and bacterial components to fluoresce in distinct colors. For instance, the presence of pathogenic bacterial species is indicated by specific colors: red fluorescence is associated with over 85% of common wound pathogens, including both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as aerobic and anaerobic species such as Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli. Additionally, cyan fluorescence is uniquely indicative of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The imaging process not only allows for the identification of bacterial load but also facilitates the creation of a digital record that includes images and measurements of the wound. This early detection capability is crucial as it aids healthcare providers in directing appropriate treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes by enabling targeted interventions that can reduce healing time based on the identified bacterial load. It is important to note that CPT® Code 0599T is billed separately for each additional anatomic site, following the primary procedure, which is reported using CPT® Code 0598T.
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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 non-healing wounds, where the identification of infection-causing bacteria is critical for effective treatment planning. The use of this imaging technique can help healthcare providers determine the appropriate course of action to manage infections and improve healing outcomes.
The procedure for noncontact real-time fluorescence wound imaging involves several key steps that ensure accurate assessment of bacterial presence in 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 tissues and bacteria 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. A digital record of the images is captured, along with measurements of the wound, to document the findings. This information is crucial for guiding treatment decisions. After the imaging is complete, the provider may discuss the results with the patient and plan targeted treatment based on the identified bacterial load.
After the noncontact real-time fluorescence wound imaging procedure, the healthcare provider will review the imaging results with the patient, discussing the implications of the findings on the wound's healing process. Depending on the identified bacterial load and species, a targeted treatment plan may be developed, which could include the use of specific antibiotics or other therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing the infection. The provider may also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the wound's progress and adjust the treatment plan as necessary. It is important for patients to adhere to any post-procedure care instructions provided by their healthcare provider to optimize healing and prevent further complications.
| Short Descr | NCNTC R-T FLUOR WND IMG EA | Medium Descr | NONCONTACT R-T FLUOR WND IMG EA ADDL ANTMC SITE | Long Descr | 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) | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service | 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 | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 2 |
This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.
| 0598T | MPFS Status: Carrier Priced APC T ASC Z2 Noncontact real-time fluorescence wound imaging, for bacterial presence, location, and load, per session; first anatomic site (eg, lower extremity) |
| 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 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. | 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 | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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.) | 56 | Preoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the preoperative care and evaluation and another performed the surgical procedure, the preoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 56 to the usual procedure number. | 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 | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | T2 | Left foot, third digit |
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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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