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Intrastromal corneal ring segments are specialized medical devices designed to enhance visual acuity by altering the shape of the cornea. These segments are micro-thin, flexible, crescent-shaped inserts made from polymethylmethacrylate, a biocompatible material. They come in various thicknesses to accommodate different levels of visual correction. The implantation procedure involves creating a small incision in the cornea, followed by the formation of channels using either a laser or a specialized dissecting instrument. Once the channels are prepared, one or two corneal ring segments are inserted into each channel, with the thickness selected based on the specific degree of correction required for the patient. The primary function of these implants is to flatten the curvature of the anterior cornea, which in turn modifies the cornea's shape and affects the eye's refraction, leading to improved vision. This procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals suffering from myopia and astigmatism, especially those who have previously undergone refractive laser surgery and are experiencing complications such as corneal ectasia or keratoconus.
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Intrastromal corneal ring segments are indicated for specific visual impairments and conditions affecting the cornea. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:
The implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments involves several precise steps to ensure successful placement and optimal visual correction. The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia.
Following the implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments, patients can expect a recovery period that may vary in duration. Post-procedure care typically includes the use of prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Patients are advised to avoid rubbing their eyes and to follow up with their ophthalmologist for regular assessments of visual acuity and corneal health. It is important to monitor for any potential complications, such as infection or displacement of the segments, and to adhere to any activity restrictions as recommended by the healthcare provider. Most patients experience an improvement in vision shortly after the procedure, although full visual stabilization may take several weeks.
| Short Descr | IMPLTJ NTRSTRML CRNL RNG SEG | Medium Descr | IMPLANTATION INTRASTROMAL CORNEAL RING SEGMENTS | Long Descr | Implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segments | 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) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | 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 | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P4E - Eye procedure - other | MUE | 1 |
| 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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). | 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.) | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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 | Added | Added |
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