Scanning Computerized Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging (SCODI)

LCD Information Document Information Source LCD ID N/A LCD ID L34061 Original ICD-9 LCD ID Not Applicable LCD Title Scanning Computerized Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging (SCODI) Proposed LCD in Comment Period N/A Source Proposed LCD N/A Original Effective Date For services performed on or after 10/01/2015 Revision Effective Date For services performed on or after 08/07/2025 Revision Ending Date N/A Retirement Date N/A Notice Period Start Date N/A Notice Period End Date N/A CPT codes, descriptions, and other data only are copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All Rights Reserved. Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein. CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Current Dental Terminology © 2025 American Dental Association. All rights reserved. Copyright © 2026, the American Hospital Association, Chicago, Illinois. Reproduced with permission. No portion of the AHA copyrighted materials contained within this publication may be copied without the express written consent of the AHA. AHA copyrighted materials including the UB‐04 codes and descriptions may not be removed, copied, or utilized within any software, product, service, solution, or derivative work without the written consent of the AHA. If an entity wishes to utilize any AHA materials, please contact the AHA at ub04@aha.org or 312‐422‐3366. Making copies or utilizing the content of the UB‐04 Manual, including the codes and/or descriptions, for internal purposes, resale and/or to be used in any product or publication; creating any modified or derivative work of the UB‐04 Manual and/or codes and descriptions; and/or making any commercial use of UB‐04 Manual or any portion thereof, including the codes and/or descriptions, is only authorized with an express license from the American Hospital Association. The American Hospital Association (the "AHA") has not reviewed, and is not responsible for, the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this material, nor was the AHA or any of its affiliates, involved in the preparation of this material, or the analysis of information provided in the material. The views and/or positions presented in the material do not necessarily represent the views of the AHA. CMS and its products and services are not endorsed by the AHA or any of its affiliates. Issue Issue Description This LCD outlines limited coverage for this service with specific details under Coverage Indications, Limitations, and/or Medical Necessity. Issue - Explanation of Change Between Proposed LCD and Final LCD CMS National Coverage Policy Language quoted from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) and coverage provisions in interpretive manuals is italicized throughout the policy. NCDs and coverage provisions in interpretive manuals are not subject to the Local Coverage Determination (LCD) Review Process (42 CFR 405.860[b] and 42 CFR 426 [Subpart D]). In addition, an administrative law judge may not review an NCD. See Section 1869(f)(1)(A)(i) of the Social Security Act.Unless otherwise specified, italicized text represents quotation from one or more of the following CMS sources:Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (SSA):Section 1862(a)(1)(A) excludes expenses incurred for items or services which are not reasonable and necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of illness or injury or to improve the functioning of a malformed body member.Section 1833(e) prohibits Medicare payment for any claim which lacks the necessary information to process the claim. Code of Federal Regulations: 42 CFR, Section 410.32, indicates that diagnostic tests may only be ordered by the treating physician (or other treating practitioner acting within the scope of his or her license and Medicare requirements) who furnishes a consultation or treats a beneficiary for a specific medical problem and who uses the results in the management of the beneficiary's specific medical problem. Tests not ordered by the physician (or other qualified non-physician provider) who is treating the beneficiary are not reasonable and necessary (see Sec. 411.15(k)(1) of this chapter). CMS Publications: CMS Publication 100-03, Medicare National Coverage Determinations Manual, Chapter 1: 80.6 Intraocular Photography 80.9 Computer Enhanced Perimetry 140.5 Laser Procedures 220.1 Computerized Tomography Coverage Indications, Limitations, and/or Medical Necessity Abstract:Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness, and a disease for which treatment methods clearly are available and in common use. Glaucoma also is diagnostically challenging. Almost 50% of glaucoma cases remain undetected. Elevated intraocular pressure is a clear risk factor for glaucoma, but over 30% of those suffering from the disease have pressures in the normal range. Further, most patients having abnormally high pressures will never suffer glaucomatous damage to their vision. Scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging (SCODI) allows for early detection of glaucomatous damage to the nerve fiber layer or optic nerve of the eye. It is the goal of these diagnostic imaging tests to discriminate among patients with normal intraocular pressures (IOP) who have glaucoma, patients with elevated IOP who have glaucoma, and patients with elevated IOP who do not have glaucoma. These tests can also provide precise methods of observation of the optic nerve head and can more accurately reveal subtle glaucomatous changes over the course of follow-up exams than visual field and/or disc photos. This can allow earlier and more efficient treatment of the disease process.Retinal disorders are the most common causes of severe and permanent vision loss. Scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging (SCODI) is a valuable tool for the evaluation and treatment of patients with retinal disease, especially macular abnormalities. SCODI is able to detail the microscopic anatomy of the retina and the vitreo-retinal interface. SCODI is useful to measure the effectiveness of therapy, and in determining the need for ongoing therapy, or the safety of cessation of that therapy.Many forms of scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging tests currently exist (e.g., confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscopy [topography], scanning laser polarimetry, optical coherence tomography [OCT], and retinal thickness analysis). Although these techniques are different, their objective is the same. Medicare will consider scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging (SCODI) medically reasonable and necessary in evaluating retinal disorders and glaucoma as documented in this local coverage determination (LCD). Indications and Limitations:Glaucoma Glaucoma commonly causes a spectrum of related eye and vision changes, including erosion of the optic nerve and the associated retinal nerve fibers, and also loss of peripheral vision. A diagnosis of glaucoma seldom is made on the basis of a single clinical observation, but instead relies upon analysis of an assemblage of clinical data, including: optic nerve, retinal nerve fiber, and anterior chamber structure, as well as looking for hemorrhages of the optic nerve, pigment in the anterior chamber, and, especially visual field loss. Each of these methods has its own strengths and limitations, and none is immune to error thus the dependence upon multiple observations. Careful reliance upon all available clinical data can allow early treatment and can prevent unnecessary end-stage therapies.SCODI allows earlier detection of those patients with normal tension glaucoma and more sophisticated analysis for ongoing management. This technology can distinguish patients with glaucomatous damage irrespective of the status of intraocular pressure. It may separate patients with elevated intraocular pressure and early glaucoma damage from those without glaucoma. This allows early treatment of the disease, preventing unnecessary medical or surgical therapy. The following codes would generally not be necessary with SCODI. When needed the same day, documentation must justify the procedures. Scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging is not considered medically reasonable and necessary when performed to provide additional confirmatory information regarding a diagnosis or treatment which has already been determined. However, the physician is not precluded from performing one of the listed procedures on the same eye of the patient on the same day, when each is necessary to evaluate and treat the patient. The reason for SCODI in addition to one of the above procedures must be clearly stated in the record.Glaucoma may be diagnosed as mild, moderate, or severe and SCODI can be utilized as documented below. Glaucoma Suspect or Mild Damage SCODI can be used to follow pre-glaucoma patients or those with “mild” damage and who would demonstrate any or all of the following: Visual Field no detectable VF defect; "mild" generalized reduction in retinal sensitivity; "mild" constriction of isopters; nasal step peripheral to 20 degrees; and/or small relative defects of the Bjerrum area, peripheral to 9 degrees. Optic Nerve symmetric or vertically elongated cup enlargement; neural rim intact, rim: disc ratio> 0.2; cup:disc ratio <0.8; focal notch; rim:disc ratio > 0.2; cup:disc ratio <0.8 no definite pathologic cupping; and/or previously observed disc hemorrhage. Moderate Glaucomatous DamageIn patients with moderate glaucomatous damage, alternating the use of SCODI and visual field tests within correct time intervals will be considered appropriate, and may increase the sensitivity of detecting glaucomatous damage. Performance of SCODI and visual field tests on the same day, or separated by a short period of time (within three [3] months) is usually not considered medically necessary. However, there may be instances in which each test is needed to determine the patient's status and thus, treatment. The contractor expects use of both tests on the same day or during short intervals will be the exception rather than the rule. Examples in which each test could be medically necessary include situations in which the clinical examination suggests progression of the glaucoma, yet the visual fields do not show new deficits. SCODI could be used to determine whether there is a change in the nerve fiber loss. Similarly, if the clinical examination showed progression and SCODI was unchanged, the visual field testing might be medically necessary to ascertain whether there is a functional loss of vision. If each test is performed on the same day or within short intervals, the medically necessary rationale must be present in the medical record. Patients with moderate glaucomatous damage would demonstrate any or all of the following: Visual Field "moderate" generalized reduction in retinal sensitivity; "moderate" constriction of isopters absolute defects to within 9 degrees of fixation; and/or temporal wedge. Optic Nerve enlarged optic nerve cup with neural rim remaining but sloped or pale; focal notches with rim:disc ratio> 0.1 but <0.2; cup:disc ratio > 0.8 but <0.9; and/or prominent lamina cribrosa. Advanced Glaucomatous DamageScanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging is not considered medically reasonable and necessary for patients with “advanced” glaucomatous damage. Instead, visual field testing should be performed. (Late in the course of glaucoma, when the nerve fiber layer has been extensively damaged, visual fields are more likely to detect small changes than scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging). Patients with “advanced” glaucomatous damage would demonstrate any or all of the following: Visual Field "severe" generalized reduction in retinal sensitivity; "severe" constriction of isopters (i.e., 14e absolute defects to within 3 degrees of fixation; loss of central acuity; and/or temporal island remains. Optic Nerve diffuse enlargement of optic nerve cup; rim:disc ratio<0.1; cup:disc ratio > 0.9; and/or wipe out of all or a portion of the neuroretinal rim. Retinal DisordersRetinal disorders are the most common causes of severe and permanent vision loss. Scanning computerized ophthalmic diagnostic imaging (SCODI) is a valuable tool for the evaluation and treatment of patients with retinal disease, especially macular abnormalities. SCODI is able to detail the microscopic anatomy of the retina and the vitreo-retinal interface. SCODI is useful to measure the effectiveness of therapy, and in determining the need for ongoing therapy, or the safety of cessation of that therapy. SCODI is useful in evaluating retinal disorders and glaucoma.Retinal thickness analysis is a non-invasive and non-contact imaging technique that takes direct cross-sectional images of the retina. These high resolution images capture ocular structures and provide data to create thickness maps of the retina. Retinal thickness is directly correlated to ocular disease, including retinal disorders and glaucoma. In contrast, Scanning Laser Polarimetry is not an appropriate diagnostic technique for the management of retinal disorders. Long Term Use of Chlorquine (CQ) and or Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) Clinical evidence has shown that long-term use of chloroquine (CQ) and/or hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) can lead to irreversible retinal toxicity. Therefore, these two medications are deemed high risk, and scanning optical coherence tomography may be indicated to provide a baseline prior to starting the medication and as an annual follow-up. Clinical evidence shows that the resolution of time domain OCT instruments is not sufficient to detect early toxic retinal changes. Because of that, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) is expected to be used to detect retinal changes that are due to the use of CQ or HCQ. Other Comments:For claims submitted to the Part A MAC: this coverage determination also applies within states outside the primary geographic jurisdiction with facilities that have nominated CGS Administrators, LL to process their claims.Bill type codes only apply to providers who bill these services to the Part A MAC. Bill type codes do not apply to physicians, other professionals and suppliers who bill these services to the carrier or Part B MAC.Limitation of liability and refund requirements apply when denials are likely, whether based on medical necessity or other coverage reasons. The provider/supplier must notify the beneficiary in writing, prior to rendering the service, if the provider/supplier is aware that the test, item or procedure may not be covered by Medicare. The limitation of liability and refund requirements do not apply when the test, item or procedure is statutorily excluded, has no Medicare benefit category or is rendered for screening purposes. For dates of service on or after April 1, 2010, bill type 77X should be used to report FQHC services. Summary of Evidence N/A Analysis of Evidence (Rationale for Determination) N/A