How To Use CPT Code 65730

CPT 65730 describes the procedure of keratoplasty, specifically penetrating corneal transplant, in patients who do not have aphakia or pseudophakia. 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 65730?

CPT 65730 can be used to describe the procedure of penetrating corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, in patients who do not have aphakia or pseudophakia. This code is used when the provider replaces the corneal tissue with a new disc from a donor eye to address visual acuity issues caused by corneal opacity.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 65730 is: ‘Keratoplasty (corneal transplant); penetrating (except in aphakia or pseudophakia).’ This procedure involves the removal of the corneal tissue using a trephine, followed by the replacement of the entire thickness of the cornea with a new disc from a donor eye. Interrupted or running sutures are then applied to secure the corneal disc.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. Using a trephine, the provider removes the corneal tissue.
3. The provider replaces the removed corneal tissue with a new disc from a donor eye.
4. Interrupted or running sutures are applied to secure the corneal disc.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 65730 is performed on patients who do not have aphakia or pseudophakia and require a corneal transplant to address visual acuity issues caused by corneal opacity. This procedure is typically performed on patients who have not undergone cataract extraction or lens replacement.

5. When to use CPT code 65730

CPT code 65730 should be used when a provider performs a penetrating corneal transplant in patients without aphakia or pseudophakia. It is important to ensure that the patient meets the qualifying circumstances for this procedure. This code should not be used for other types of corneal transplants or when the patient has aphakia or pseudophakia.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 65730, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for a corneal transplant
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a trephine, removal of corneal tissue, replacement with a donor disc, and application of sutures
• Any additional relevant information, such as complications or specific techniques used
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 65730, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a penetrating corneal transplant in patients without aphakia or pseudophakia. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional tips provided by coding authorities. Be aware of any bundling or unbundling issues and use appropriate modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 65730 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code underwent a change on January 1, 2009, with the removal of the phrase ‘except in aphakia’ from the description.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a penetrating corneal transplant to address corneal opacity and improve visual acuity.
2. A provider performs a keratoplasty procedure on a patient without aphakia or pseudophakia to replace damaged corneal tissue.
3. A corneal transplant is performed on a patient with corneal opacity, using a donor disc to restore visual acuity.
4. A provider replaces the cornea of a patient without aphakia or pseudophakia to improve their vision.
5. A patient undergoes a penetrating corneal transplant to address corneal opacity and restore visual function.
6. A provider performs a keratoplasty procedure on a patient without aphakia or pseudophakia to correct visual acuity issues caused by corneal opacity.
7. A corneal transplant is performed on a patient with corneal opacity, using a donor disc to replace the damaged tissue and improve vision.
8. A provider replaces the cornea of a patient without aphakia or pseudophakia to restore their visual acuity.
9. A patient undergoes a penetrating corneal transplant to address corneal opacity and enhance their visual function.
10. A provider performs a keratoplasty procedure on a patient without aphakia or pseudophakia to improve their visual acuity by replacing the damaged corneal tissue.