Medical policy: Ophthalmologic Techniques That Evaluate the Posterior Eye Segment

Policy number: MP 2.056

Clinical benefit

  • Minimize safety risk or concern.
  • Minimize harmful or ineffective interventions.
  • Assure appropriate level of care.
  • Assure appropriate duration of service for interventions.
  • Assure that recommended medical prerequisites have been met.
  • Assure appropriate site of treatment or service.

Effective date: 2/1/2026

Policy

Analysis of the optic nerve (retinal nerve fiber layer) may be considered medically necessary when using scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, scanning laser polarimetry, and optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis and evaluation of patients with any of the following:

  • Glaucoma or glaucoma suspects;
  • Multiple sclerosis;
  • Increased intracranial pressure;
  • Optic neuritis or optic nerve disorders.

Analysis of the optic nerve (retinal nerve fiber layer) for all other indications is considered investigational. There is insufficient evidence to support a general conclusion concerning the health outcomes or benefits associated with this procedure.

The use of a patient-initiated home optical coherence tomography device is considered investigational for all indications. There is insufficient evidence to support a general conclusion concerning the health outcomes or benefits associated with this procedure.

The measurement of ocular blood flow, pulsatile ocular blood flow, or blood flow velocity is considered investigational for all indications. There is insufficient evidence to support a general conclusion concerning the health outcomes or benefits associated with this procedure.

Cross-references:

  • MP 2.028 Eye Care
  • MP 2.085 Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) of the Anterior Eye Segment
  • MP 2.086 Retinal Telescreening for Diabetic Retinopathy

Product variations

This policy is only applicable to certain programs and products administered by Capital Blue Cross and subject to benefit variations. Please see additional information below.

FEP PPO - Refer to FEP Medical Policy Manual.

Description/Background

Several techniques have been developed to measure the thickness of the optic nerve/retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) as a method to diagnose and monitor glaucoma and other retinal diseases. Measurement of ocular blood flow is also being evaluated as a diagnostic and management tool for glaucoma.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is characterized by degeneration of the optic nerve (optic disc). Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) has long been thought to be the primary etiology, but the relation between IOP and optic nerve damage varies among patients, suggesting a multifactorial origin. Some patients with chronically elevated IOP will show no optic nerve damage, while others with marginal or no pressure elevation will show optic nerve damage. The association between glaucoma and other vascular disorders (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) suggests vascular factors may play a role in glaucoma. Specifically, it has been hypothesized that reductions in blood flow to the optic nerve may contribute to the visual field defects associated with glaucoma.

Diagnosis and management of glaucoma

A comprehensive ophthalmologic exam is required for the diagnosis of glaucoma, but no single test is adequate to establish diagnosis. A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination includes assessment of the optic nerve, evaluation of visual fields, and measurement of ocular pressure. The presence of characteristic changes in the optic nerve or abnormalities in visual field, together with increased IOP, is sufficient for a definitive diagnosis. However, some patients will show ophthalmologic evidence of glaucoma with normal IOP. These cases of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) are considered to be a type of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Angle-closure glaucoma is another type of glaucoma associated with an increase in IOP. The increased IOP in angle-closure glaucoma arises from a reduction in aqueous outflow from the eye due to a closed angle in the anterior chamber. Diagnosis of angle-closure glaucoma is detailed in MP 2.085.

Conventional management of patients with glaucoma principally involves drug therapy to control elevated IOPs and serial evaluation of the optic nerve to follow disease progression. Standard methods of evaluation include careful direct examination of the optic nerve using ophthalmoscopy or stereophotography, or evaluation of visual fields. There is interest in developing more objective, reproducible techniques both to document optic nerve damage and to detect early changes in the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) before development of permanent visual field defects.

Specifically, evaluating changes in RNFL thickness has been investigated as a technique to diagnose and monitor glaucoma. However, IOP reduction is not effective in decreasing disease progression in significant numbers of patients with NTG, and in patients with NTG, there is never an increase in IOP. It has been proposed that vascular dysregulation is a significant cause of damage to the RNFL, and there is interest in measuring ocular blood flow as both a diagnostic and a management tool for glaucoma. Changes in blood flow to the retina and choroid may be particularly relevant for diagnosis and treatment of NTG. A variety of techniques have been developed, as described below. (Note: This policy only addresses techniques related to the evaluation of the optic nerve, RNFL, or blood flow to the retina and choroid in patients with glaucoma.)

Multiple sclerosis

This central nervous system disease involves an immune-mediated process, which directs an abnormal response from the body’s immune system to the central nervous system (the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves). In up to 20% of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, optic neuropathy may be the first demyelinating event. The most common type of involvement of the visual pathways is optic neuritis, which can result in varying degrees of visual loss.

Optic neuritis

Inflammation of the optic nerve. Often associated with MS, this demyelinating and inflammatory condition occurs in 50% of MS patients and is the presenting feature in 15 to 20 percent of patients. Typically, painful, monocular vision loss evolves over hours to a few days. OCT can detect RNFL thinning in 85% of patients with this condition.

Papilledema

Papilledema is optic disc swelling due to raised intracranial pressure. It occurs when raised intracranial pressure is transmitted to the optic nerve sheath. Typically bilateral, it is often discovered when individuals are evaluated for other symptoms. Visual symptoms are common, although rarely the presenting symptom. Diagnostic testing may include optical coherence tomography to monitor swelling and to determine changes surrounding the retina. Left untreated vision loss can occur.

Techniques to evaluate the optic nerve and RNFL

Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO) is an image acquisition technique intended to improve the quality of the eye examination compared with standard ophthalmoscopic examination. A laser is scanned across the retina along with a detector system. Only a single spot on the retina is illuminated at any time, resulting in a high-contrast image of great reproducibility that can be used to estimate RNFL thickness. In addition, this technique does not require maximal mydriasis, which may be problematic in patients with glaucoma. The Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph is probably the most common example of this technology.

Scanning laser polarimetry

The RNFL is birefringent (or biorefractive), meaning that it causes a change in the state of polarization of a laser beam as it passes. A 780-nm diode laser is used to illuminate the optic nerve. The polarization state of the light emerging from the eye is then evaluated and correlated with RNFL thickness. Unlike CSLO, scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) can directly measure the thickness of the RNFL. GDx is a common SLP device. GDx contains a normative database and statistical software package that compare scan results with age-matched normal subjects and present the information in an advantage class. SLP and OCT have been studied for glaucomatous optic nerve changes and have demonstrated that abnormalities may be detected on these examinations before functional changes are noted.

Optical coherence tomography

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) uses near-infrared light to provide direct cross-sectional measurement of the RNFL. The principles employed are similar to those used in B-mode ultrasound, except light, not sound, is used to produce the 2-dimensional images. The light source can be directed into the eye through a conventional slit-lamp biomicroscope and focused onto the retina through a typical 78-diopter lens. This system requires dilation of the patient’s pupil. OCT analysis software is being developed to include optic nerve head parameters with spectral domain OCT, analysis of macular parameters, and hemodynamic parameters with Doppler OCT and OCT angiography.

Pulsatile ocular blood flow

The pulsatile variation in ocular pressure results from the flow of blood into the eye during cardiac systole. Pulsatile ocular blood flow can thus be detected by the continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure. The detected pressure pulse can then be converted into a volumetric measurement using the known relationship between ocular pressure and ocular volume. Pulsatile blood flow is primarily determined by the choroidal vessels, particularly relevant to patients with glaucoma, because the optic nerve is supplied in large part by choroidal circulation.

Techniques to measure ocular blood flow

A number of techniques have been developed to assess ocular blood flow. They include laser speckle flowgraphy, color Doppler imaging, Doppler Fourier domain OCT, laser Doppler velocimetry, confocal scanning laser Doppler flowmetry, and retinal functional imaging.

Laser speckle flowgraphy

Laser speckle is detected when a coherent light source such as laser light is dispersed from a diffusing surface such as retinal and choroidal vessels and the circulation of the optic nerve head. The varying patterns of light can be used to determine red blood cell velocity and retinal blood flow. However, due to differences in the tissue structure in different eyes, flux values cannot be used for comparisons between eyes. This limitation may be overcome by subtracting background choroidal blood flow results from the overall blood flow results in the region of interest.

Color Doppler imaging

Color Doppler imaging has also been investigated as a technique to measure the blood flow velocity in the retinal and choroidal arteries. This technique delivers ultrasound in pulsed Doppler mode with a transducer set on closed eyelids. The examination takes 30 to 40 minutes and is most effective for the mean velocity of large ophthalmic vessels such as the ophthalmic artery, the central retinal artery, and the short posterior ciliary arteries. However, total blood flow cannot be determined with this technique, and imaging is highly dependent on probe placement.

Doppler Fourier domain OCT

Doppler Fourier domain OCT is a noncontact imaging technique that detects the intensity of the light scattered back from erythrocytes as they move in the vessels of the ocular tissue. This induces a frequency shift that represents the velocity of the blood in the ocular tissue.

Laser Doppler velocimetry

Laser Doppler velocimetry compares the frequency of reflected laser light from a moving particle to stationary tissue.

Confocal scanning laser Doppler flowmetry

Confocal scanning laser Doppler flowmetry combines laser Doppler flowmetry with confocal scanning laser tomography. Infrared laser light is used to scan the retina, and the frequency and amplitude of Doppler shifts are determined from the reflected light. Determinations of blood velocity and blood volume are used to compute the total blood flow and create a physical map of retinal flow values.

Regulatory status

A number of confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, scanning laser polarimetry, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) devices have been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the 510(k) process for imaging the posterior eye segment. For example, the RTVue XR OCT Avanti™ (Optovue) is an OCT system indicated for the in vivo imaging and measurement of the retina, retinal nerve fiber layer, and optic disc as a tool and aid in the clinical diagnosis and management of retinal diseases. The RTVue XR OCT Avanti™ with Normative Database is a quantitative tool for comparing retina, retinal nerve fiber layer, and optic disk measurements in the human eye to a database of known normal subjects. It is intended as a diagnostic device to aid in the detection and management of ocular diseases. In 2016, the RTVue XR OCT with Avanti™ with AngioVue™ Software was cleared by FDA through the 510(k) process (K153080) as an aid in the visualization of vascular structures of the retina and choroid. FDA product code: HLI, OBO.

In 2012, the iExaminer™ (Welch Allyn) was cleared for marketing by FDA through the 510(k) process. The iExaminer™ consists of a hardware adapter and associated software (iPhone® App) to capture, store, send, and retrieve images from the PanOptic™ Ophthalmoscope (Welch Allyn) using an iPhone®. FDA product code: HKI.

Rationale

Summary of evidence

For individuals who have glaucoma or suspected glaucoma who receive imaging of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer, the evidence includes studies on diagnostic accuracy. Relevant outcomes are test accuracy, symptoms, morbid events, functional outcomes, and medication use. Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (CSLO), scanning laser polarimetry (SLP), and OCT can be used to evaluate the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer in patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma. Numerous studies have described findings from patients with known and suspected glaucoma using CSLO, SLP, and OCT. These studies have reported that abnormalities may be detected on these examinations before functional changes are noted. The literature and specialty society guidelines have indicated that optic nerve analysis using CSLO, SLP, and OCT are established add-on tests that may be used to diagnose and manage patients with glaucoma and suspected glaucoma. The evidence is sufficient to determine that the technology results in a meaningful improvement in the net health outcome.

For individuals who have glaucoma or suspected glaucoma who receive evaluation of ocular blood flow, the evidence includes association studies. Relevant outcomes are test accuracy, symptoms, morbid events, functional outcomes, and medication use. Techniques to measure ocular blood flow or ocular blood flow velocity are used to determine appropriate glaucoma treatment options. The data for these techniques remain limited. Literature reviews have not identified studies addressing whether these techniques improve diagnostic accuracy or whether they improve health outcomes in patients with glaucoma. Some have suggested that these parameters may inform understanding of the variability in visual field changes in patients with glaucoma; however, data on use of ocular blood flow, pulsatile ocular blood flow, and blood flow velocity are currently lacking. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes.

Definitions

Cup/disc ratio in ophthalmology is the mathematical relationship between the horizontal or vertical diameter of the physiologic cup and the diameter of the optic disc.

Diabetic retinopathy is a disorder of retinal blood vessels characterized by capillary microaneurysms, hemorrhage, exudates, and the formation of new vessels and connective tissue.

Intraocular pressure refers to the internal pressure of the eye regulated by resistance to the flow of aqueous humor through the fine sieve of the trabecular meshwork.

Disclaimer

Capital Blue Cross’ medical policies are used to determine coverage for specific medical technologies, procedures, equipment, and services. These medical policies do not constitute medical advice and are subject to change as required by law or applicable clinical evidence from independent treatment guidelines. Treating providers are solely responsible for medical advice and treatment of members. These polices are not a guarantee of coverage or payment. Payment of claims is subject to a determination regarding the member’s benefit program and eligibility on the date of service, and a determination that the services are medically necessary and appropriate. Final processing of a claim is based upon the terms of contract that applies to the members’ benefit program, including benefit limitations and exclusions. If a provider or a member has a question concerning this medical policy, please contact Capital Blue Cross’ Provider Services or Member Services.

Coding information

Note: This list of codes may not be all-inclusive, and codes are subject to change at any time. The identification of a code in this section does not denote coverage as coverage is determined by the terms of member benefit information. In addition, not all covered services are eligible for separate reimbursement.

Investigational; therefore, not covered:

Procedure codes

0198T

0604T

0605T

0606T

 

Covered when medically necessary:

Procedure codes

92133

 

 

 

 

ICD-10-CM Diagnosis

G35

G35A

G35B

G35B0

G35B1

G35B2

G35C

G35C0

G35C1

G35C2

G35D

G93.2

H40.001

H40.002

H40.003

H40.009

H40.011

H40.012

H40.013

H40.019

H40.021

H40.022

H40.023

H40.029

H40.031

H40.032

H40.033

H40.039

H40.041

H40.042

H40.043

H40.049

H40.051

H40.052

H40.053

H40.059

H40.061

H40.062

H40.063

H40.069

H40.10X0

H40.10X1

H40.10X2

H40.10X3

H40.10X4

H40.1110

H40.1111

H40.1112

H40.1113

H40.1114

H40.1120

H40.1121

H40.1122

H40.1123

H40.1124

H40.1130

H40.1131

H40.1132

H40.1133

H40.1134

H40.1190

H40.1191

H40.1192

H40.1193

H40.1194

H40.1210

H40.1211

H40.1212

H40.1213

H40.1214

H40.1220

H40.1221

H40.1222

H40.1223

H40.1224

H40.1230

H40.1231

H40.1232

H40.1233

H40.1234

H40.1290

H40.1291

H40.1292

H40.1293

H40.1294

H40.1310

H40.1311

H40.1312

H40.1313

H40.1314

H40.1320

H40.1321

H40.1322

H40.1323

H40.1324

H40.1330

H40.1331

H40.1332

H40.1333

H40.1334

H40.1390

H40.1391

H40.1392

H40.1393

H40.1394

H40.1410

H40.1411

H40.1412

H40.1413

H40.1414

H40.1420

H40.1421

H40.1422

H40.1423

H40.1424

H40.1430

H40.1431

H40.1432

H40.1433

H40.1434

H40.1490

H40.1491

H40.1492

H40.1493

H40.1494

H40.151

H40.152

H40.153

H40.159

H40.20X0

H40.20X1

H40.20X2

H40.20X3

H40.20X4

H40.211

H40.212

H40.213

H40.219

H40.2210

H40.2211

H40.2212

H40.2213

H40.2214

H40.2220

H40.2221

H40.2222

H40.2223

H40.2224

H40.2230

H40.2231

H40.2232

H40.2233

H40.2234

H40.2290

H40.2291

H40.2292

H40.2293

H40.2294

H40.231

H40.232

H40.233

H40.239

H40.241

H40.242

H40.243

H40.249

H40.31X0

H40.31X1

H40.31X2

H40.31X3

H40.31X4

H40.32X0

H40.32X1

H40.32X2

H40.32X3

H40.32X4

H40.33X0

H40.33X1

H40.33X2

H40.33X3

H40.33X4

H40.40X0

H40.40X1

H40.40X2

H40.40X3

H40.40X4

H40.41X0

H40.41X1

H40.41X2

H40.41X3

H40.41X4

H40.42X0

H40.42X1

H40.42X2

H40.42X3

H40.42X4

H40.43X0

H40.43X1

H40.43X2

H40.43X3

H40.43X4

H40.50X0

H40.50X1

H40.50X2

H40.50X3

H40.50X4

H40.51X0

H40.51X1

H40.51X2

H40.51X3

H40.51X4

H40.52X0

H40.52X1

H40.52X2

H40.52X3

H40.52X4

H40.53X0

H40.53X1

H40.53X2

H40.53X3

H40.53X4

H40.60X0

H40.60X1

H40.60X2

H40.60X3

H40.60X4

H40.61X0

H40.61X1

H40.61X2

H40.61X3

H40.61X4

H40.62X0

H40.62X1

H40.62X2

H40.62X3

H40.62X4

H40.63X0

H40.63X1

H40.63X2

H40.63X3

H40.63X4

H40.811

H40.812

H40.813

H40.819

H40.821

H40.822

H40.823

H40.829

H40.831

H40.832

H40.833

H40.839

H40.89

H4084

H40841

H40842

H40843

H40849

H42

H46.00

H46.01

H46.02

H46.03

H46.10

H46.11

H46.12

H46.13

H46.2

H46.3

H46.8

H46.9

H47.011

H47.012

H47.013

H47.019

H47.021

H47.022

H47.023

H47.029

H47.031

H47.032

H47.033

H47.039

H47.091

H47.092

H47.093

H47.099

H47.10

H47.11

H47.12

H47.13

H47.141

H47.142

H47.143

H47.149

H47.20

H47.211

H47.212

H47.213

H47.219

H47.22

H47.231

H47.232

H47.233

H47.239

H47.291

H47.292

H47.293

H47.299

H47.311

H47.312

 

 

 

References

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  35. Kohmoto R, Sugiyama T, Ueki M, et al. Correlation between laser speckle flowgraphy and optical coherence tomography angiography measurements in normal and glaucoma eyes. Clin Ophthalmol. 2019; 13:1799-1805. PMID 31571818
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  38. Mursch-Edlmayr AS, Luft N, Podkowinski D, et al. Differences in Optic Nerve Head Blood Flow Regulation in Normal Tension Glaucoma Patients and Healthy Controls as Assessed With Laser Speckle Flowgraphy During the Water Drinking Test. J Glaucoma. Jul 2019; 28(7):649-654. PMID 30959064
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Policy history

MP 2.056

01/01/2020 Administrative update. New codes 92201 and 92202 added.

04/21/2020 Consensus review. Policy statement unchanged. Removed procedure codes 92201 and 92202. References updated.

07/31/2020 Major review. Added multiple sclerosis, increased intracranial pressure, optic neuritis, and optic nerve disorders to policy statement as potentially medically necessary. Coding updated; added ICD-10 codes H46–H47, G35, and G93.2. References updated. “For Glaucoma” removed from policy title.

09/16/2021 Minor review. Added the use of a patient-initiated home optical coherence tomography device as investigational. References and coding updated. Updated FEP language.

04/07/2022 Consensus review. No change to policy statement. References reviewed and updated. Coding table format updated.

05/11/2023 Consensus review. No change to policy statement. References reviewed and updated. No coding changes.

05/22/2024 Consensus review. No change to policy statement. References reviewed and updated. Added ICD-10 diagnosis code H40.2210. No procedure code changes.

12/11/2024 Administrative update. Added code 92137. Effective 01/01/2025.

05/16/2025 Consensus review. No change to policy stance. New references added.

09/02/2025 Administrative update. Added ICD-10 diagnosis codes. Effective 10/01/2025.

09/04/2025 Administrative update. Removed the Benefit Variations Section and updated the Disclaimer.

12/23/2025 Administrative update. Code 92137 removed from policy.