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Code deleted, see 0198T

Official Description

Tonography with water provocation

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Tonography with water provocation, as denoted by CPT® Code 92130, is a specialized diagnostic procedure aimed at measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) within the eye. This procedure is particularly significant in the context of diagnosing conditions such as glaucoma, where abnormal pressure levels can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss. The aqueous humor, a clear fluid in the anterior chamber of the eye, plays a crucial role in maintaining intraocular pressure by continuously draining through the eye's drainage system. In this procedure, the patient undergoes a fasting period, after which baseline pressure measurements are taken. Subsequently, the patient consumes a quart of water, which is intended to provoke a physiological response that may alter the intraocular pressure. Following this water intake, the changes in IOP are meticulously recorded using a tonometric instrument, allowing the physician to assess the eye's response to the fluid intake. The physician then compiles these findings into a comprehensive written report, which is essential for determining the presence and severity of conditions like glaucoma.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of tonography with water provocation is indicated for the assessment of intraocular pressure in patients suspected of having conditions that affect the eye's pressure regulation. The primary indications include:

  • Glaucoma Diagnosis The procedure is utilized to help diagnose glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure that can lead to optic nerve damage.
  • Monitoring IOP Changes It is also indicated for monitoring changes in intraocular pressure over time, particularly in patients with a history of elevated IOP or those undergoing treatment for glaucoma.

2. Procedure

The procedure of tonography with water provocation involves several key steps that are critical for accurate measurement of intraocular pressure. These steps include:

  • Baseline Pressure Measurement Initially, the patient is required to fast for a specified period. Following this fasting period, the physician measures the baseline intraocular pressure using a tonometric instrument. This measurement serves as a reference point for evaluating the changes in pressure that will occur after water intake.
  • Water Provocation After obtaining the baseline measurements, the patient is instructed to drink a quart of water. This step is crucial as the ingestion of water is intended to provoke a physiological response that may lead to changes in intraocular pressure.
  • Post-Water Pressure Measurement Once the patient has consumed the water, the physician again measures the intraocular pressure at specified intervals. These measurements are recorded to assess how the pressure changes in response to the water intake.
  • Report Generation Finally, the physician reviews the recorded changes in intraocular pressure and compiles a written report detailing the findings. This report is essential for diagnosing conditions such as glaucoma and for determining the appropriate management strategies for the patient.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the tonography with water provocation procedure, patients may be advised to resume their normal activities. However, it is important for the physician to review the findings with the patient, discussing any significant changes in intraocular pressure that were observed during the procedure. Depending on the results, further diagnostic testing or treatment options may be recommended. Patients should also be informed about any potential symptoms to monitor, such as changes in vision or eye discomfort, and advised to follow up with their healthcare provider as necessary.

Short Descr WATER PROVOCATION TONOGRAPHY
Medium Descr TNGRPHY WATER PROVOCATION
Long Descr Tonography with water provocation
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 2 - 150% payment adjustment does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - 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 Discontinued Code
Type of Service (TOS) Q - Vision Items or Services
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 220 - Ophthalmologic and otologic diagnosis and treatment
Date
Action
Notes
2012-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 0198T
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
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