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Official Description

Microfluidic analysis utilizing an integrated collection and analysis device, tear osmolarity

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Microfluidic analysis of tear osmolarity is a specialized diagnostic procedure aimed at assessing dry eye disease. This analysis focuses on the osmolarity of tears, which refers to the concentration of solutes in the tear film. Hyperosmolarity indicates a disruption in the quantity or quality of tears produced, serving as a primary marker for dry eye disease. Tears are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the eye's surface, providing protection against infections, and ensuring clear vision. When the production of tears is inadequate or their quality is compromised, it can lead to significant ocular surface damage. This damage may manifest as eye infections, dryness of the corneal epithelium, and even severe complications such as corneal ulceration or perforation. During the procedure, a sample of tear film is collected from each eye using an integrated collection and analysis device. The collected sample from one eye is analyzed to evaluate specific criteria related to the tear film, and the osmolarity measurement is displayed on a panel. This process is then repeated for the second eye. The eye exhibiting the highest osmolarity level is used to assess whether the patient has normal tear osmolarity or is experiencing dry eye disease. The results of this measurement help classify the severity of dry eye disease into categories of mild, moderate, or severe, guiding further management and treatment options.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The microfluidic analysis of tear osmolarity is indicated for the evaluation of dry eye disease. This condition is characterized by a deficiency in the quantity or quality of tears, leading to hyperosmolarity, which is a key indicator of the disease. The procedure is performed when patients present with symptoms associated with dry eye, such as discomfort, visual disturbances, or ocular surface damage.

  • Dry Eye Disease Evaluation of patients suspected of having dry eye disease based on clinical symptoms and signs.
  • Hyperosmolarity Assessment of tear osmolarity to confirm the presence of hyperosmolarity, which indicates compromised tear production or quality.

2. Procedure

The procedure for microfluidic analysis of tear osmolarity involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement and evaluation of tear film quality. First, a sample of tear film is collected from each eye using an integrated collection and analysis device designed specifically for this purpose. This device allows for precise collection and minimizes contamination. Once the tear sample is obtained from one eye, it is placed into the analysis device, which is equipped to evaluate a predetermined set of criteria related to the tear film. The device then measures the osmolarity of the tear sample and displays the results on a digital panel for immediate review. Following the analysis of the first eye, the same process is repeated for the second eye to obtain a comparative measurement. After both samples have been analyzed, the osmolarity measurement from the eye with the highest level of hyperosmolarity is utilized to determine the patient's tear osmolarity status. This measurement is critical in diagnosing dry eye disease and classifying its severity as mild, moderate, or severe, which can inform subsequent treatment decisions.

  • Step 1: Collection of tear film sample from the first eye using an integrated collection and analysis device.
  • Step 2: Placement of the collected tear sample into the analysis device for evaluation.
  • Step 3: Measurement of osmolarity and display of results on the device's panel.
  • Step 4: Repetition of the collection and analysis process for the second eye.
  • Step 5: Comparison of osmolarity measurements to determine the eye with the highest hyperosmolarity, which is used for diagnosis.

3. Post-Procedure

After the microfluidic analysis of tear osmolarity is completed, patients may be advised on the next steps based on the results obtained. If dry eye disease is diagnosed, further management strategies may be discussed, which could include lifestyle modifications, the use of artificial tears, or other therapeutic interventions aimed at improving tear production and quality. Patients should be informed about the importance of follow-up appointments to monitor their condition and adjust treatment as necessary. Additionally, any immediate discomfort experienced during the sample collection process should be addressed, and patients should be reassured about the non-invasive nature of the procedure.

Short Descr MICROFLUID ANALY TEARS
Medium Descr MICROFLUIDIC ANALYSIS TEAR OSMOLARITY
Long Descr Microfluidic analysis utilizing an integrated collection and analysis device, tear osmolarity
Status Code Statutory Exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies)
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
CLIA Waived (QW) Yes
APC Status Indicator Conditionally packaged laboratory tests
Type of Service (TOS) 5 - Diagnostic Laboratory
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T1H - Lab tests - other (non-Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 2
CCS Clinical Classification 233 - Laboratory - Chemistry and Hematology
QW Clia waived test
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)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
91 Repeat clinical diagnostic laboratory test: in the course of treatment of the patient, it may be necessary to repeat the same laboratory test on the same day to obtain subsequent (multiple) test results. under these circumstances, the laboratory test performed can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 91. note: this modifier may not be used when tests are rerun to confirm initial results; due to testing problems with specimens or equipment; or for any other reason when a normal, one-time, reportable result is all that is required. this modifier may not be used when other code(s) describe a series of test results (eg, glucose tolerance tests, evocative/suppression testing). this modifier may only be used for laboratory test(s) performed more than once on the same day on the same patient.
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).
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.
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
E4 Lower right, eyelid
FT Unrelated evaluation and management (e/m) visit on the same day as another e/m visit or during a global procedure (preoperative, postoperative period, or on the same day as the procedure, as applicable). (report when an e/m visit is furnished within the global period but is unrelated, or when one or more additional e/m visits furnished on the same day are unrelated)
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
JZ Zero drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient
KT Beneficiary resides in a competitive bidding area and travels outside that competitive bidding area and receives a competitive bid item
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
QM Ambulance service provided under arrangement by a provider of services
QT Recording and storage on tape by an analog tape recorder
TR School-based individualized education program (iep) services provided outside the public school district responsible for the student
U1 Medicaid level of care 1, as defined by each state
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Added Added
1992-12-31 Deleted Code deleted.
Code
Description
Code
Description
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