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Corneal wedge resection is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting surgically induced astigmatism, a condition where the cornea, which is normally round, becomes oval-shaped, leading to blurred vision. This type of astigmatism can arise after eye surgeries such as cataract removal or refractive procedures like LASIK. The procedure involves precise mapping of the cornea using a slit lamp, followed by careful preparation of the eye. During the surgery, a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the cornea, and the area is irrigated to ensure a clear surgical field. A diamond knife is then utilized to make an incision in the marked area of the cornea, allowing for the excision of a small sliver of corneal tissue. This excision helps restore the cornea's natural spherical shape, thereby improving visual acuity. Post-surgery, a bandage contact lens may be placed on the eye, and antibiotic eye drops are administered to prevent infection, followed by patching the eye to aid in recovery.
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Corneal wedge resection is indicated for the correction of surgically induced astigmatism, which may occur following various ocular surgical procedures. The following conditions are explicitly associated with the need for this procedure:
The procedure for corneal wedge resection involves several critical steps to ensure effective correction of astigmatism:
After the corneal wedge resection, patients can expect a recovery period during which the eye will heal. The application of a bandage contact lens helps protect the cornea and promotes healing. Patients are typically advised to use antibiotic eye drops as prescribed to minimize the risk of infection. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process and assess the improvement in vision. It is important for patients to adhere to post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal recovery and visual outcomes.
| Short Descr | CORRECTION OF ASTIGMATISM | Medium Descr | CRNL WEDGE RESCJ CORRJ INDUCED ASTIGMATISM | Long Descr | Corneal wedge resection for correction of surgically induced astigmatism | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory 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 | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P4E - Eye procedure - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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. | 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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