How To Use CPT Code 65772

CPT 65772 describes the corneal relaxing incision procedure used to correct surgically induced astigmatism. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 65772?

CPT 65772 is a code used to describe the corneal relaxing incision procedure. This procedure is performed to correct astigmatism that has been surgically induced, such as after cataract surgery when an intraocular lens has been inserted. The provider makes incisions in the cornea to change its shape and correct the astigmatism caused by the previous surgery.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 65772 is: ‘Corneal relaxing incision for correction of surgically induced astigmatism.’

3. Procedure

1. When the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider uses an eyelid speculum to hold the patient’s eye open.
2. The provider then incises the cornea in the shape of an X and removes sections along the X.
3. After removing the sections, the provider closes the edges of the incision.
4. To protect the eye during the healing process, the provider places a bandage contact lens.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 65772 is used when the corneal relaxing incision procedure is performed to correct surgically induced astigmatism. This means that the astigmatism must have been caused by a previous surgery, such as cataract surgery with the insertion of an intraocular lens. The procedure is typically performed by ophthalmologists.

5. When to use CPT code 65772

CPT code 65772 should be used when the corneal relaxing incision procedure is performed to correct surgically induced astigmatism. It is important to note that Medicare will only cover the procedure if the surgically induced astigmatism would cause functional problems for the patient if corrected by glasses. If the astigmatism is not surgically induced or if it can be corrected by glasses, the procedure is generally considered noncovered and elective.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 65772, the provider must document the following information:

• The patient’s history of cataract surgery and the surgically induced astigmatism
• A detailed description of the procedure performed, including the location and amount of astigmatism to be corrected
• The date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the patient’s functional problems caused by the astigmatism

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 65772, ensure that the procedure is being performed to correct surgically induced astigmatism. It is important to inform the payer of the patient’s history of cataract surgery and the need for the procedure to correct the astigmatism caused by the surgery. If the claim is denied, it may be necessary to provide additional information beyond the diagnosis code to demonstrate the medical necessity of the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT code 65772 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 who previously had cataract surgery develops significant astigmatism that is causing functional problems. The ophthalmologist performs a corneal relaxing incision procedure to correct the surgically induced astigmatism.
2. After cataract surgery, a patient’s astigmatism changes significantly, resulting in blurred vision. The ophthalmologist performs a corneal relaxing incision procedure to correct the surgically induced astigmatism and improve the patient’s vision.
3. A patient undergoes cataract surgery and develops astigmatism that cannot be corrected by glasses. The ophthalmologist performs a corneal relaxing incision procedure to correct the surgically induced astigmatism and improve the patient’s visual acuity.
4. Following cataract surgery, a patient experiences functional problems due to significant astigmatism. The ophthalmologist performs a corneal relaxing incision procedure to correct the surgically induced astigmatism and alleviate the patient’s symptoms.
5. A patient who has previously undergone cataract surgery develops astigmatism that is causing blurred vision. The ophthalmologist performs a corneal relaxing incision procedure to correct the surgically induced astigmatism and improve the patient’s visual clarity.