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    OpenPayerBilling CodesImaging, Evaluation, Programming and Recording ProceduresCPT cpt-0469t-retinal-polarization-scanning-visual-screening
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    CPT 0469T: Retinal Polarization Scanning Visual Screening

    CPT code 0469T describes retinal polarization scanning, an automated visual screening test performed on-site for both eyes to detect retinal fixation abnormalities used to diagnose strabismus and amblyopia in patients unsuited for standard fixation testing or who are uncooperative (for example, infants and children); service type: visual screening test with automated results; typical site of service: office-based or clinic ocular screening.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Preoperative Brain Mapping, Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Preoperative Brain Mapping, Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Preoperative Brain Mapping.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 9-month-old infant is brought to a pediatric ophthalmology clinic because parents report intermittent eye deviation and failed newborn vision screening. The child is fussy and uncooperative with standard fixation testing. The ophthalmic technician escorts the infant to the screening area where a retinal polarization scan is performed using an automated device that captures fixation responses from both eyes. On-site automated results are generated and reviewed by the ophthalmologist during the same visit. The clinician documents the screening findings, determines need for further diagnostic strabismus evaluation or amblyopia treatment, and provides counseling to the parents.

    • Service Type: Automated retinal polarization fixation screening for both eyes with on-site automated results.

    • Typical Site of Service: Outpatient ophthalmology or pediatric ophthalmology clinic, ambulatory surgical center (if bundled with other procedures), or community vision screening events staffed by credentialed eye-care providers.

    • Workflow Summary: Previsit intake and history; brief ocular external exam; positioning and cooperation attempts; perform 0469T retinal polarization scanning with technician operation; immediate automated printout/electronic result; ophthalmologist review and interpretation; documentation of results and plan; billing of technical or global component depending on staffing and equipment ownership.

    • Patient Population: Infants and young children, developmentally delayed or uncooperative patients, and patients with ocular conditions preventing reliable standard fixation testing (e.g., severe nystagmus, poor cooperation).

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    0469TRetinal polarization scanning; ocular screening of both eyes with on-site automated resultsPrimary screening code for detection of retinal fixation used when standard fixation testing is not feasible.
    99173Screening test of visual acuity, quantitative, bilateral (e.g., for pediatric vision screening)Often performed in older cooperative children as a complement or alternative to 0469T; may be performed during the same visit when age-appropriate.
    92060Sensorimotor examination with diplopia workup; motility and coordination testingMay be performed following abnormal 0469T to document ocular alignment and motility in a clinical diagnostic visit.
    92004Comprehensive ophthalmological examination, new patient, one or more visitsA comprehensive eye exam may follow an abnormal screening result when a full diagnostic assessment is required.

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    51Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    55Modifier –55 indicates the billing provider furnished only postoperative management for a procedure that has a global surgical period. According to AAPC, this modifier is appended to the same CPT…- Use modifier -55 when billing the same CPT surgical code that has a 10- or 90-day global period and you, as a provider other than the original surgeon, furnished ONLY postoperative management (no…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    77Modifier 77 indicates that a previously performed procedure or service was legitimately repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional. The AMA’s CPT definition…- Use modifier 77 when a basic procedure or service already performed is repeated by a different physician or other qualified health care professional (for example, a second provider independently…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207W00000X
    2080P0208X
    3336C0002X
    343900000X
    283Q00000X
    2085R0205X
    363LA2200X
    207ND0101X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    14 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    H44.9Unspecified disorder of globe
    H49.01Third [oculomotor] nerve palsy, right eye
    H49.02Third [oculomotor] nerve palsy, left eye
    H51.11Convergence insufficiency
    H51.12Convergence excess
    H52.4Presbyopia
    H53.8Other visual disturbances
    H53.9Unspecified visual disturbance
    Q10.0Congenital ptosis
    Q10.1Congenital ectropion

    Showing 1–10 of 14

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Neurology/Neurosurgery1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Preoperative Brain Mappingpremerabluecrossofwashington2027-02-05
    Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Preoperative Brain Mappingpremerabluecrossofwashington2027-02-05
    Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Preoperative Brain Mappingpremerabluecrossofwashington2027-02-05
    Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) Inhibitors: Vyepti (eptinezumab-jjmr)Mass General Brigham Health Plan2027-01-04
    Clinical Review Criteria Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM)Kaiser Permanente2027-01-01
    Open Neuroplasty Lumbar PlexusCigna2026-12-15
    Laser Interstitial Thermal TherapyCigna2026-11-15
    Remote Electrical Neuromodulation for Migraines (i.e., Nerivio®)bcbsvermont2026-11-01
    Artificial Cervical Intervertebral Discuniverahealthcare2026-10-15
    Lumbar Microdiscectomyuniverahealthcare2026-10-15

    Related Codes

    CPT-0464T-VISUAL-EVOKED-POTENTIAL-TESTING

    CPT 0464T: Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) Testing

    CPT-0472T-ARTIFICIAL-RETINA-PROGRAMMING-AND-EVALUATION

    CPT 0472T: Initial Evaluation and Programming of Artificial Retina

    CPT-0473T-ARTIFICIAL-RETINA-REPROGRAMMING

    CPT 0473T: Artificial Retina/Retinal Electrode Array Reprogramming

    CPT-0474T-ANTERIOR-SEGMENT-AQUEOUS-DRAINAGE-DEVICE-SUPRACILIARY-RESERVOIR

    CPT 0474T: Supraciliary Aqueous Drainage Device Placement, Anterior Segment

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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    99174Visual acuity testing, automated, bilateralMay be used in clinic screening workflows for cooperative patients as an adjunct to fixation screening when appropriate.