How To Use CPT Code 67820

CPT 67820 involves the correction of trichiasis through epilation using forceps only. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 67820.

1. What is CPT 67820?

CPT 67820 is a medical procedure code used to describe the correction of trichiasis, a condition where eyelashes grow abnormally and cause irritation to the eye. The procedure involves the removal of these deviated or abnormal eyelashes using forceps only, without any other surgical intervention.

2. 67820 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 67820 is: “Correction of trichiasis; epilation, by forceps only.”

3. Procedure

The 67820 procedure is performed as follows:

1. The patient is prepped and the area around the eye is anesthetized.
2. The provider identifies the abnormal or deviated lashes using a slit lamp, a magnification device.
3. Using forceps, the provider removes the deviated or abnormal lashes.
4. Antibiotic eyedrops are instilled to prevent infection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who are eligible to receive CPT code 67820 services are those experiencing eye irritation, pain, or vision problems due to trichiasis. The condition must be severe enough to warrant intervention, and the patient must have tried and failed conservative treatments, such as lubricating eye drops or ointments, before the procedure is considered.

5. When to use CPT code 67820

It is appropriate to bill the 67820 CPT code when a provider performs the procedure to correct trichiasis by removing deviated or abnormal eyelashes using forceps only. The procedure should be medically necessary and supported by proper documentation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 67820, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s medical history and symptoms related to trichiasis.
• Physical examination findings, including the presence of deviated or abnormal eyelashes.
• Details of conservative treatments tried and their outcomes.
• Procedure notes, including the use of a slit lamp and forceps for eyelash removal.
• Post-procedure care instructions and follow-up plan.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 67820, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Ensure that the procedure is medically necessary and supported by proper documentation. Additionally, be aware of any payer-specific requirements or policies related to billing for this code. It is also crucial to verify if any modifiers are needed to accurately describe the service provided.

8. Historical information

CPT 67820 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to CPT 67820

Five similar codes to CPT 67820 and how they differ are:

• CPT 67800: This code involves the excision of chalazion, a cyst in the eyelid, rather than the removal of eyelashes.
• CPT 67805: This code describes the removal of eyelashes by electrolysis, a different method than using forceps.
• CPT 67808: This code involves the excision of an eyelid lesion, not the removal of eyelashes.
• CPT 67810: This code is for the biopsy of the eyelid, a diagnostic procedure, not a treatment for trichiasis.
• CPT 67850: This code describes the destruction of an eyelid lesion, not the removal of eyelashes.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 67820 procedures:

1. A patient with a history of trichiasis presents with eye irritation and pain. The provider removes several deviated eyelashes using forceps after identifying them with a slit lamp.
2. A patient with recurrent trichiasis undergoes forceps epilation of multiple abnormal eyelashes causing corneal abrasion.
3. A patient with trichiasis due to an eyelid infection has several eyelashes removed using forceps to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications.
4. A patient with trichiasis secondary to blepharitis undergoes forceps epilation of multiple deviated eyelashes causing eye irritation.
5. A patient with trichiasis due to trauma has several abnormal eyelashes removed using forceps to prevent corneal damage.
6. A patient with trichiasis and a history of failed conservative treatments undergoes forceps epilation of multiple deviated eyelashes causing eye pain.
7. A patient with trichiasis secondary to an autoimmune condition has several eyelashes removed using forceps to alleviate eye irritation and prevent vision problems.
8. A patient with trichiasis due to eyelid scarring undergoes forceps epilation of multiple abnormal eyelashes causing corneal abrasion.
9. A patient with trichiasis and a history of multiple recurrences has several eyelashes removed using forceps to prevent further eye irritation and complications.
10. A patient with trichiasis secondary to a congenital eyelid malformation undergoes forceps epilation of multiple deviated eyelashes causing eye pain and vision problems.