Anterior segment imaging with interpretation and report; with fluorescein angiography
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Anterior Segment Imaging with Interpretation and Report; with Fluorescein Angiography
Summary
Anterior segment imaging with fluorescein angiography is a diagnostic procedure used to visualize and evaluate the front structures of the eye (such as the cornea, iris, and lens) using a special dye (fluorescein) and advanced imaging technology. The images are then interpreted by a specialist to diagnose potential eye conditions.
Purpose
- Medical Condition or Problem: This procedure addresses conditions affecting the anterior segment of the eye, such as abnormal blood vessels, inflammation, or corneal issues.
- Goals/Expected Outcomes: The main goal is to obtain detailed images that help diagnose and monitor various eye conditions for appropriate treatment.
Indications
- Specific Symptoms or Conditions: Unexplained eye pain, redness, blurred vision, or suspected eye infections.
- Patient Criteria: Patients with diabetic eye disease, uveitis, corneal dystrophies, or unexplained visual disturbances may be candidates for this procedure.
Preparation
- Pre-Procedure Instructions: Patients may be advised to stop certain medications and avoid wearing contact lenses prior to the examination.
- Diagnostic Tests: A comprehensive eye exam is typically conducted beforehand.
Procedure Description
- Initial Setup: The patient is seated, and eye drops are administered to dilate the pupils.
- Dye Injection: Fluorescein dye is injected into a vein in the arm.
- Imaging: As the dye travels through the blood vessels in the eye, a special camera captures detailed images of the anterior segment.
- Interpretation: The images are analyzed to identify any abnormalities.
- Tools/Equipment: Fluorescein dye, fundus camera, slit-lamp biomicroscope.
- Anesthesia: Usually, no anesthesia or sedation is required, although numbing eye drops may be used for comfort.
Duration
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, including preparation and image interpretation.
Setting
Anterior segment imaging with fluorescein angiography is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or an eye specialist's office.
Personnel
- Healthcare Professionals Involved: An ophthalmologist or a trained eye specialist, along with medical assistants.
Risks and Complications
- Common Risks: Mild discomfort, temporary blurred vision, or slight staining of the skin and urine from the dye.
- Rare Risks: Allergic reactions to the dye, which may include nausea, hives, or more serious anaphylactic reactions.
Benefits
- Expected Benefits: Accurate diagnosis of eye conditions, leading to timely and effective treatment.
- Realization of Benefits: The benefits can often be realized immediately or shortly after image interpretation.
Recovery
- Post-Procedure Care: Patients are advised to avoid bright lights and to rest their eyes.
- Expected Recovery Time: Recovery is quick, generally within a few hours, though vision may remain blurred for a short while.
- Follow-Up: Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss results and next steps.
Alternatives
- Other Options: Optical coherence tomography (OCT), standard eye examinations, or corneal topography.
- Pros and Cons: Alternatives may be less invasive but might not provide the same level of detailed visualization as fluorescein angiography.
Patient Experience
- During the Procedure: Mild discomfort when the dye is injected; slight pressure or brightness from the camera.
- After the Procedure: Temporary blurred vision and possible mild skin yellowing from the dye, which will dissipate shortly.
- Pain Management: Usually, no pain management is necessary, just reassurance and comfort measures.