How To Use CPT Code 65765

CPT 65765 describes a surgical procedure in which a provider implants a donor cornea into the patient’s anterior cornea to improve refraction and enhance vision. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 65765?

CPT 65765 is used to describe a surgical procedure in which a provider surgically implants a donor cornea into the patient’s anterior cornea. This procedure is performed to improve the refraction of the cornea and enhance the patient’s vision. It is important to note that this procedure is typically not covered by payers for vision enhancement in healthy individuals.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 65765 is: ‘During this procedure, the provider performs surgical implantation of a donor cornea into the patient’s anterior cornea to improve its refraction and enhance the patient’s vision.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure.
2. The provider uses a microkeratome, a small surgical instrument, to remove a partial thickness, disc-shaped piece of corneal tissue from the anterior surface of the cornea.
3. A previously lathed donor corneal tissue is placed on the eye, affixed over the resected corneal tissue.
4. The provider closes the flap and sutures it into place.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 65765 is typically performed on patients who require corneal refractive surgery to improve their vision. It is important to note that payers may not cover this procedure for vision enhancement in healthy individuals.

5. When to use CPT code 65765

CPT code 65765 should be used when a provider performs surgical implantation of a donor cornea into the patient’s anterior cornea to improve refraction and enhance vision. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the necessary qualifying circumstances and is medically necessary for the patient.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 65765, the provider must document the following information:

• Medical necessity for the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 65765, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the necessary qualifying circumstances and is medically necessary for the patient. Payers may have specific guidelines and requirements for reimbursement, so it is important to review their policies and documentation requirements. Additionally, it is important to consider if CPT code 65765 should be reported with other codes and to follow any specific guidelines provided by payers.

8. Historical information

CPT code 65765 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with corneal scarring undergoes CPT 65765 to improve their vision.
2. A patient with keratoconus undergoes CPT 65765 to enhance their vision.
3. A patient with corneal dystrophy undergoes CPT 65765 to correct their vision.
4. A patient with corneal edema undergoes CPT 65765 to improve their visual acuity.
5. A patient with corneal degeneration undergoes CPT 65765 to enhance their vision.
6. A patient with corneal trauma undergoes CPT 65765 to improve their visual function.
7. A patient with corneal ulceration undergoes CPT 65765 to enhance their vision.
8. A patient with corneal opacity undergoes CPT 65765 to improve their visual clarity.
9. A patient with corneal neovascularization undergoes CPT 65765 to enhance their vision.
10. A patient with corneal thinning undergoes CPT 65765 to improve their visual acuity.