How To Use CPT Code 65210

CPT 65210 describes the procedure for the removal of a foreign body that is embedded in or below the conjunctiva or in the sclera of the eye, without perforating it. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 65210?

CPT 65210 is used to describe the removal of a foreign body that is embedded in or below the conjunctiva or in the sclera of the eye, without perforating it. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove the foreign object from the eye.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 65210 is: ‘Removal of foreign body, external eye; conjunctival embedded (includes concretions), subconjunctival, or scleral nonperforating.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia if necessary.
2. The provider washes out the eye with sterile solution to ensure cleanliness.
3. Using a cotton-tipped applicator, the provider carefully removes the foreign body from the conjunctiva, subconjunctiva, or sclera.
4. The provider inspects the surfaces of the conjunctiva, subconjunctiva, and sclera to ensure that all foreign material has been removed.
5. If there are concretions present, the provider may scrape them away by turning the eyelid up.
6. The procedure is completed once all foreign bodies and concretions have been successfully removed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 65210 is performed when there is a foreign body embedded in or below the conjunctiva or in the sclera of the eye. This procedure is appropriate when the foreign body does not perforate the eye. The healthcare provider must carefully assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for the removal of the foreign body.

5. When to use CPT code 65210

CPT code 65210 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove a foreign body from the eye without perforating it. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 65210, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the presence of a foreign body in the eye
• Details of the procedure, including the specific location of the foreign body (conjunctiva, subconjunctiva, or sclera)
• Use of anesthesia, if applicable
• Any additional procedures performed, such as the removal of concretions
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 65210, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code. Additionally, be aware of any specific guidelines or requirements from insurance providers regarding the billing of this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 65210 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider removes a small metal shard embedded in the conjunctiva of a patient’s eye.
2. A foreign body is found in the subconjunctival area of a patient’s eye, and a healthcare provider successfully removes it.
3. A healthcare provider removes a concretion from the sclera of a patient’s eye without perforating it.
4. A patient presents with a foreign body embedded in the conjunctiva, and a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove it.
5. A healthcare provider removes a small piece of glass embedded in the subconjunctival area of a patient’s eye.
6. A patient has a foreign body embedded in the sclera of their eye, and a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove it without causing any perforation.
7. A healthcare provider successfully removes a concretion from the conjunctiva of a patient’s eye.
8. A patient presents with a foreign body in the subconjunctival area, and a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove it.
9. A healthcare provider removes a small metal fragment from the sclera of a patient’s eye without causing any perforation.
10. A patient has a foreign body embedded in the conjunctiva, and a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove it.