CPT® Code 76513

Ophthalmic ultrasound, diagnostic; anterior segment ultrasound, immersion (water bath) B-scan or high resolution biomicroscopy, unilateral or bilateral

The CPT® Code 76513 refers to a diagnostic ophthalmic ultrasound procedure specifically targeting the anterior segment of the eye. This procedure can be performed using two distinct techniques: the water bath immersion B-scan and high resolution biomicroscopy. In the water bath immersion method, a plastic eye cup is utilized, which is filled with a coupling medium such as methylcellulose or normal saline. This cup is placed between the eyelids to facilitate the ultrasound examination. The B-scan ultrasound is then employed to visualize the structures of the anterior segment. On the other hand, high resolution biomicroscopy involves the use of a higher frequency ultrasound transducer integrated into a B-mode clinical scanner, allowing for the generation of finely detailed images of the eye's anatomy. Both techniques are particularly valuable for obtaining intricate images of various ocular components, including the cornea, iris, sclera, ciliary bodies, and zonules. The clinical applications of this diagnostic procedure are extensive, encompassing the measurement of anterior chamber depth prior to cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, evaluation of the iridocorneal angle in glaucoma patients, characterization of cystic and solid lesions in suspected tumors, identification of ocular foreign bodies, and mapping of anterior and posterior corneal elevations for refractive surgery. Additionally, the immersion B-scan technique is capable of penetrating opaque materials, such as cataracts and scars, thereby enhancing its diagnostic utility.