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    OpenPayerBilling CodesOther Diagnostic ProceduresCPT cpt-0506t-macular-pigment-optical-density-hfp
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    CPT 0506T: Macular Pigment Optical Density Measurement

    CPT code 0506T describes measurement of macular pigment optical density (MPOD) using heterochromic flicker photometry (HFP) to quantify lutein and zeaxanthin in the macula; the service includes the measurement, interpretation, and report and is performed as a diagnostic ocular function test typically provided in an ophthalmology or optometry clinic or eye care diagnostic center for one or both eyes.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Cardiac Electrophysiological (EP) Studies and Cardiac Ablation of Abnormal Electrical Rhythms, Cardiology - Tryvio, Automated Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring for Diagnosis of Hypertension in Patients with Elevated Office Blood Pressure.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 68-year-old patient with early visual complaints and risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is referred to a retinal specialist or ophthalmic diagnostic clinic for objective assessment of macular pigment. The patient undergoes macular pigment optical density (MPOD) testing using heterochromic flicker photometry (HFP). The clinical workflow includes: a pretest history and vision check by an ophthalmic technician, pupil status assessment, patient positioning at the HFP instrument, explanation of the subjective flicker task, performance of monocular or binocular measurements as indicated, immediate review of test traces by the technician, and formal interpretation and report by the provider. Results guide counseling about lutein/zeaxanthin status, nutritional supplementation considerations, and monitoring for AMD progression. Typical site of service is an outpatient ophthalmology clinic, retinal specialty practice, or vision diagnostics center. Service type is diagnostic physiological measurement with professional interpretation and report included under the procedure code 0506T.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    92250Fundus photography with interpretation and reportOften performed alongside MPOD testing to document macular appearance and correlate pigment density with fundus findings.
    92133Scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging, posterior segment, with interpretation and report; optic nerve and retina (e.g., OCT)OCT is commonly performed before or after MPOD to assess macular structure and AMD features.
    92227Remote imaging for detection of retinal disease; unilateral or bilateralTelemedicine screening images may prompt in-office MPOD measurement for further risk stratification.
    92310Prescription of optical aids, low visionIn low-vision clinics, MPOD testing can be part of the diagnostic battery that informs low-vision rehabilitation planning.
    99000Handling and/or conveyance of specimenNot specific to this procedure; Data not available in the input.

    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…
    59Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
    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…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    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…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207W00000X
    174400000X
    133VN1101X
    261QM1101X
    251B00000X
    261QR0207X
    261QR0200X
    207WX0108X

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Cardiology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Cardiac Electrophysiological (EP) Studies and Cardiac Ablation of Abnormal Electrical RhythmsCigna2027-01-15
    Cardiology - TryvioCigna2026-11-01
    Automated Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring for Diagnosis of Hypertension in Patients with Elevated Office Blood PressureBluecross Idaho2026-11-01
    Cardiology - IvabradineCigna2026-10-15
    Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT)/Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Percutaneous Ventricular Assist DeviceUnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Cardiovascular Disease Risk AssessmentOscar Health2026-10-01
    Biomarkers for Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Heart FailureOscar Health2026-10-01
    Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction for Diagnostic Cardiovascular ProceduresBlue Cross Blue Shield - Maine2026-10-01
    Left Atrial Appendage Closure Devicesexcellus_health_plan_inc2026-09-17

    Related Codes

    CPT-0507T-MEIBOMIAN-GLAND-IMAGING-TRANSILLUMINATION

    CPT 0507T: Meibomian Gland Imaging with Transillumination

    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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