Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 76519: A-Scan Ultrasound Ocular Biometry for IOL Calculation

CPT code 76519 represents A-scan ultrasound echography used to measure axial eye length and calculate intraocular lens (IOL) power before cataract surgery. This diagnostic biometry procedure is essential to achieving accurate refractive outcomes after lens implantation and is widely performed in ophthalmology practices and ambulatory surgery settings. Nationally, precise ocular measurements supported by this code affect surgical planning, patient outcomes, and perioperative workflow.

Key payers covered in this publication include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the procedure, payer coverage considerations, and typical sites of service. The piece summarizes common modifiers associated with billing for the service and highlights where input data was unavailable.

This report provides benchmarks and policy-relevant points useful for practice managers, billing professionals, and clinicians involved in preoperative cataract care. Topics addressed include clinical purpose of the measurement, where the service is typically delivered, and the scope of payer coverage discussed. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 76519 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 76519 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 76519 describes the use of A-scan ultrasound echography to measure the axial length of the eye and perform intraocular lens (IOL) calculation prior to cataract surgery. This service is a diagnostic ocular biometry procedure used to determine the appropriate IOL power for patients undergoing cataract extraction.

Service type: Diagnostic ocular biometry (A-scan ultrasound) for IOL calculation
Typical site of service: Ophthalmology clinic or ambulatory surgical center where preoperative eye measurements are performed

Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 76519: A-Scan Ultrasound Ocular Biometry for IOL Calculation

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 76519 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 76519 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

Service type: Diagnostic ocular biometry (A-scan ultrasound) for IOL calculation
Typical site of service: Ophthalmology clinic or ambulatory surgical center where preoperative eye measurements are performed

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 72-year-old patient with progressive visual decline from a dense cataract is scheduled for preoperative evaluation prior to elective cataract extraction with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. In clinic, the ophthalmologist documents visual acuity, a dilated slit-lamp exam confirming lens opacity, and discusses surgical risks and refractive goals. To determine the appropriate IOL power, the provider performs 76519 (A-scan ultrasound axial length measurement) when optical biometry (e.g., partial coherence interferometry) is unavailable or unreliable due to dense cataract, corneal opacity, or poor fixation. The measurement workflow includes topical anesthesia as needed, placement of the ultrasound probe on the applanation surface or immersion technique, three consistent axial length readings for each eye, corneal curvature data from keratometry or topography, and calculation of IOL power using the selected formula. Results are documented in the operative plan and used to order the appropriate IOL power for the scheduled cataract extraction procedure performed in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	Use when billing only the physician’s interpretation/measurement component separate from technical services.
`TC`	Technical component	Use when billing only the facility/technical portion of the ultrasound measurement.
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when separate bilateral axial length measurements are reported and payer allows bilateral reporting (confirm payer policy).
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when `76519` is performed in a separate session or anatomical site distinct from other billed services.
`25`	Significant, separately identifiable E/M service	Use when an evaluation and management visit is performed on the same day with `76519` and meets documentation for a separate E/M.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure was partially reduced or not completed as documented.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure was started but discontinued for reasons documented in the record.
`24`	Unrelated E/M service by same physician during postoperative period	Use when an unrelated E/M is performed during the global postoperative period for the cataract surgery.
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use when repeat axial length measurement is required in the OR setting during the postoperative period.
`73`	Discontinued outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery before anesthesia	Use when the outpatient procedure was cancelled prior to administration of anesthesia or performance.
`22`	Unusual procedural services	Use when the service required substantially greater effort or time than usual, with documentation.
`27`	Multiple outpatient hospital E/M encounters on the same date	Use when multiple outpatient encounters occur and payer requires modifier to indicate that.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	(listed to emphasize distinct service use; see above)

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207RG0300X`	Ophthalmology	Comprehensive eye surgeons who perform cataract evaluations and IOL calculations.
`207RH0000X`	Optometry	Optometrists who perform preoperative biometry and measurements in some states or clinical settings.
`208800000X`	Ocular Oncology / Comprehensive Ophthalmology	Subspecialists who may perform axial length measurements when managing complex anterior segment cases.
`207RP1001X`	Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus	Pediatric ophthalmologists who perform axial length measurements for congenital cataract planning.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`H25.9`	Unspecified age-related cataract	Most common indication for preoperative axial length measurement to calculate IOL power.
`H26.9`	Unspecified cataract	General cataract diagnosis when more specific type is not coded; requires biometry for IOL planning.
`H44.2`	Degenerative myopia	Axial length is often increased in high myopes and affects IOL power calculation and lens selection.
`H43.1`	Vitreous opacities	Media opacities can interfere with optical biometry, prompting use of `76519` A-scan ultrasound.
`H18.9`	Corneal dystrophy, unspecified	Corneal irregularities can limit optical measurements; ultrasound axial length remains useful for IOL calculations.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`66984`	Removal of cataract with insertion of intraocular lens, complex or standard (extracapsular or phacoemulsification techniques)	Definitive surgical procedure for which `76519` axial length measurements are performed as preoperative planning to determine IOL power.
`92015`	Determination of refractive state (refraction) and prescription when performed	Refraction provides manifest refraction data used alongside axial length and keratometry for IOL power planning.
`92136`	Ophthalmic biometry by partial coherence interferometry (e.g., IOLMaster)	An alternative optical method for axial length measurement; `76519` is used when optical biometry is not possible.
`92083`	Visual field examination, established patient; extended examination	Preoperative visual function testing sometimes performed as part of comprehensive ophthalmic assessment before cataract surgery.
`92250`	Fundus photography with interpretation and report	Retinal imaging often performed preoperatively to document macular or retinal pathology that may affect visual outcomes and IOL selection.

CPT 76506: Echoencephalography, Intracranial Ultrasound

CPT-76510-OCULAR-ULTRASOUND-B-SCAN-AND-A-SCAN

CPT 76510: Combined B-Scan and Quantitative A-Scan Ocular Ultrasound

CPT-76511-QUANTITATIVE-A-SCAN-OPHTHALMIC-ULTRASOUND

CPT 76511: Quantitative A–Scan Ophthalmic Ultrasound

CPT-76512-B-SCAN-OPHTHALMIC-ULTRASOUND-EYE-ORBIT

CPT 76512: B-scan Ophthalmic Ultrasound of Eye and Orbit

CPT-76513-IMMERSION-B-SCAN-ANTERIOR-SEGMENT-IMAGING

CPT 76513: Immersion B-Scan or High-Resolution Biomicroscopy of Anterior Segment

CPT-76514-CONTACT-B-SCAN-CORNEAL-THICKNESS-PACHYMETRY

CPT 76514: Contact B-Scan Corneal Thickness Measurement

CPT-76516-A-SCAN-OCULAR-AXIAL-LENGTH-MEASUREMENT

CPT 76516: A-scan Ultrasound Measurement of Ocular Axial Length

CPT-76529-OPHTHALMIC-ULTRASOUND-INTRAOCULAR-FOREIGN-BODY-LOCALIZATION

CPT 76529: Ophthalmic Ultrasound for Intraocular Foreign Body Localization

CPT-76536-HEAD-NECK-SOFT-TISSUE-ULTRASOUND

CPT 76536: Ultrasound, Head and Neck Soft Tissues

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`26`	Professional component	Use when billing only the physician’s interpretation/measurement component separate from technical services.
`TC`	Technical component	Use when billing only the facility/technical portion of the ultrasound measurement.
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when separate bilateral axial length measurements are reported and payer allows bilateral reporting (confirm payer policy).
`59`	Distinct procedural service	Use when `76519` is performed in a separate session or anatomical site distinct from other billed services.
`25`	Significant, separately identifiable E/M service	Use when an evaluation and management visit is performed on the same day with `76519` and meets documentation for a separate E/M.
`52`	Reduced services	Use when the procedure was partially reduced or not completed as documented.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	Use when the procedure was started but discontinued for reasons documented in the record.
`24`	Unrelated E/M service by same physician during postoperative period	Use when an unrelated E/M is performed during the global postoperative period for the cataract surgery.
`78`	Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room for a related procedure during the postoperative period	Use when repeat axial length measurement is required in the OR setting during the postoperative period.
`73`	Discontinued outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery before anesthesia	Use when the outpatient procedure was cancelled prior to administration of anesthesia or performance.
`22`	Unusual procedural services	Use when the service required substantially greater effort or time than usual, with documentation.
`27`	Multiple outpatient hospital E/M encounters on the same date	Use when multiple outpatient encounters occur and payer requires modifier to indicate that.
`59`	Distinct procedural service	(listed to emphasize distinct service use; see above)

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
`207RG0300X`	Ophthalmology	Comprehensive eye surgeons who perform cataract evaluations and IOL calculations.
`207RH0000X`	Optometry	Optometrists who perform preoperative biometry and measurements in some states or clinical settings.
`208800000X`	Ocular Oncology / Comprehensive Ophthalmology	Subspecialists who may perform axial length measurements when managing complex anterior segment cases.
`207RP1001X`	Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus	Pediatric ophthalmologists who perform axial length measurements for congenital cataract planning.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`H25.9`	Unspecified age-related cataract	Most common indication for preoperative axial length measurement to calculate IOL power.
`H26.9`	Unspecified cataract	General cataract diagnosis when more specific type is not coded; requires biometry for IOL planning.
`H44.2`	Degenerative myopia	Axial length is often increased in high myopes and affects IOL power calculation and lens selection.
`H43.1`	Vitreous opacities	Media opacities can interfere with optical biometry, prompting use of `76519` A-scan ultrasound.
`H18.9`	Corneal dystrophy, unspecified	Corneal irregularities can limit optical measurements; ultrasound axial length remains useful for IOL calculations.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`66984`	Removal of cataract with insertion of intraocular lens, complex or standard (extracapsular or phacoemulsification techniques)	Definitive surgical procedure for which `76519` axial length measurements are performed as preoperative planning to determine IOL power.
`92015`	Determination of refractive state (refraction) and prescription when performed	Refraction provides manifest refraction data used alongside axial length and keratometry for IOL power planning.
`92136`	Ophthalmic biometry by partial coherence interferometry (e.g., IOLMaster)	An alternative optical method for axial length measurement; `76519` is used when optical biometry is not possible.
`92083`	Visual field examination, established patient; extended examination	Preoperative visual function testing sometimes performed as part of comprehensive ophthalmic assessment before cataract surgery.
`92250`	Fundus photography with interpretation and report	Retinal imaging often performed preoperatively to document macular or retinal pathology that may affect visual outcomes and IOL selection.

CPT 76506: Echoencephalography, Intracranial Ultrasound

CPT-76510-OCULAR-ULTRASOUND-B-SCAN-AND-A-SCAN

CPT 76510: Combined B-Scan and Quantitative A-Scan Ocular Ultrasound

CPT-76511-QUANTITATIVE-A-SCAN-OPHTHALMIC-ULTRASOUND

CPT 76511: Quantitative A–Scan Ophthalmic Ultrasound

CPT-76512-B-SCAN-OPHTHALMIC-ULTRASOUND-EYE-ORBIT

CPT 76512: B-scan Ophthalmic Ultrasound of Eye and Orbit

CPT-76513-IMMERSION-B-SCAN-ANTERIOR-SEGMENT-IMAGING

CPT 76513: Immersion B-Scan or High-Resolution Biomicroscopy of Anterior Segment

CPT-76514-CONTACT-B-SCAN-CORNEAL-THICKNESS-PACHYMETRY

CPT 76514: Contact B-Scan Corneal Thickness Measurement

CPT-76516-A-SCAN-OCULAR-AXIAL-LENGTH-MEASUREMENT

CPT 76516: A-scan Ultrasound Measurement of Ocular Axial Length

CPT-76529-OPHTHALMIC-ULTRASOUND-INTRAOCULAR-FOREIGN-BODY-LOCALIZATION

CPT 76529: Ophthalmic Ultrasound for Intraocular Foreign Body Localization

CPT-76536-HEAD-NECK-SOFT-TISSUE-ULTRASOUND

CPT 76536: Ultrasound, Head and Neck Soft Tissues

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Jul 29, 2026.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

CPT 76519: A-Scan Ultrasound Ocular Biometry for IOL Calculation

Sign up for cpt 76519 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Catch payer policy changes before they impact reimbursement

Catch payer policy changes before they impact reimbursement

OpenPayer

CPT 76519: A-Scan Ultrasound Ocular Biometry for IOL Calculation

Sign up for cpt 76519 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References