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Radial keratotomy is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting nearsightedness, also known as myopia. This condition occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea is too steep, causing distant objects to appear blurry. During radial keratotomy, the surgeon makes precise incisions in the cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye. These incisions are strategically placed to flatten the cornea, thereby altering its shape and improving the eye's ability to focus light on the retina. Although radial keratotomy was once a common method for treating nearsightedness, it has largely been supplanted by more advanced techniques such as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and epi-LASIK, which offer improved outcomes and reduced recovery times. The procedure involves careful preoperative assessment, including mapping the eye with a slit lamp to determine the appropriate number and location of incisions based on the severity of the patient's myopia. This meticulous approach ensures that the surgical intervention is tailored to the individual needs of the patient, aiming for optimal visual correction.
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Radial keratotomy is indicated for patients suffering from nearsightedness (myopia). The procedure is typically considered for individuals who have a specific degree of myopia that can be effectively corrected through surgical intervention. The following conditions may warrant the performance of radial keratotomy:
The radial keratotomy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure its effectiveness and safety. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the radial keratotomy procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. It is common for the eye to be covered with a soft bandage or patch, or a contact lens bandage may be applied to aid in the healing process. Patients may experience some discomfort or visual fluctuations as the eye begins to heal. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing progress and to ensure that the desired visual outcomes are achieved. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow any specific postoperative care instructions provided by their healthcare provider to promote optimal recovery.
| Short Descr | RADIAL KERATOTOMY | Medium Descr | RADIAL KERATOTOMY | Long Descr | Radial keratotomy | 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) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P4E - Eye procedure - other | MUE | 0 | CCS Clinical Classification | 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea |
| 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.) | 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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| 1991-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1991. |
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