How To Use CPT Code 65710

CPT 65710 describes the procedure for anterior lamellar keratoplasty, which involves the transplantation of the anterior lamellar region of the cornea. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 65710?

CPT 65710 can be used to describe the procedure of anterior lamellar keratoplasty, which involves the removal and replacement of the diseased anterior portion of the cornea. This code is used when the provider performs a corneal transplant of the anterior lamellar region.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 65710 is: ‘Keratoplasty (corneal transplant); anterior lamellar.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider performs a corneal transplant of the anterior lamellar region.
2. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
3. The provider inserts a needle attached to a syringe into the deep stroma toward the center of the cornea.
4. Air is injected into the stroma until a well-demarcated big bubble forms.
5. The provider uses a surgical blade to remove the anterior corneal stroma.
6. A blunt scissor is used to excise the remaining stroma.
7. The provider applies different suturing techniques to secure the cadaver donor cornea to the recipient bed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients who may require anterior lamellar keratoplasty are those with a diseased anterior portion of the cornea that needs to be replaced. This procedure is performed to remove and replace the anterior lamellar region of the cornea. The provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

5. When to use CPT code 65710

CPT code 65710 should be used when the provider performs anterior lamellar keratoplasty, which involves the transplantation of the anterior lamellar region of the cornea. This code should be used specifically for this procedure and not for other types of corneal transplants.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 65710, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for anterior lamellar keratoplasty
• Details of the procedure performed, including the techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 65710, ensure that the procedure performed is anterior lamellar keratoplasty. This code should not be reported with other codes for different types of corneal transplants. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting corneal transplant procedures and to use the appropriate code based on the specific procedure performed.

8. Historical information

CPT code 65710 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later changed on January 1, 2009, to specify ‘lamellar’ in the description.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a diseased anterior portion of the cornea undergoes anterior lamellar keratoplasty to replace the affected region.
2. The provider performs anterior lamellar keratoplasty on a patient with corneal damage caused by trauma.
3. A patient with a corneal disease undergoes anterior lamellar keratoplasty to improve their vision.
4. The provider performs anterior lamellar keratoplasty on a patient with a corneal ulcer that has not responded to other treatments.
5. A patient with a corneal dystrophy undergoes anterior lamellar keratoplasty to alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.