How To Use CPT Code 65779

CPT 65779 describes the placement of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface using sutures. 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 65779?

CPT 65779 involves the placement of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to promote wound healing and tissue repair. The amniotic membrane, which surrounds a developing baby during pregnancy, is placed on the ocular surface similar to a contact lens and secured with sutures. The growth factors in the amniotic membrane stimulate healing and discourage unwanted vessel formation. It is important to note that the effects of the amniotic membrane grafts are temporary, and the procedure may need to be repeated.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 65779 is: ‘Placement of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface; single layer, sutured.’ It is important to note that CPT codes 65778 and 65779 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 65430, 65435, or 65780. For the placement of amniotic membrane using tissue glue, a different code, 66999, should be used.

3. Procedure

1. The eye that requires treatment is prepped and draped in a sterile manner.
2. The treatment area is irrigated and cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
3. The provider removes the diseased and necrotic epithelium.
4. The amniotic membrane is trimmed and gently spread on the ocular surface to cover the lesion.
5. The graft is secured in place using interrupted sutures to the cornea.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 65779 is performed on patients who require the placement of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface for wound healing. This procedure is suitable for patients with specific ocular conditions that can benefit from the healing effects of the amniotic membrane. It is important to note that CPT codes 65778 and 65779 should not be reported in conjunction with codes 65430, 65435, or 65780.

5. When to use CPT code 65779

CPT code 65779 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the placement of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface using sutures. This code is appropriate for cases where a single layer of amniotic membrane is sutured onto the ocular surface. If the placement of amniotic membrane does not involve sutures, a different code, 65778, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 65779, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the placement of amniotic membrane
• Details of the procedure, including the use of sutures and the specific location on the ocular surface
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as the size of the amniotic membrane used
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 65779, ensure that the procedure involves the placement of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface using sutures. It is important to follow the guidelines and not report CPT codes 65778 or 65779 in conjunction with codes 65430, 65435, or 65780. Modifier 50 should be used if the procedure is performed on both eyes, and modifiers RT or LT should be used if the service is rendered on a single eye.

8. Historical information

CPT code 65779 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2011. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider placing a single layer of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface using sutures to promote wound healing in a patient with a corneal ulcer.
2. A surgeon performing the placement of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface using sutures to aid in the healing of a patient’s corneal abrasion.
3. An ophthalmologist securing a single layer of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface with sutures to promote tissue repair in a patient with a corneal defect.
4. A healthcare provider suturing amniotic membrane onto the ocular surface to facilitate wound healing in a patient with a corneal laceration.
5. A surgeon performing the placement of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface using sutures to aid in the healing of a patient’s corneal erosion.
6. An ophthalmologist securing a single layer of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface with sutures to promote tissue repair in a patient with a corneal ulceration.
7. A healthcare provider placing amniotic membrane on the ocular surface using sutures to aid in the healing of a patient’s corneal defect.
8. A surgeon suturing amniotic membrane onto the ocular surface to facilitate wound healing in a patient with a corneal abrasion.
9. An ophthalmologist securing a single layer of amniotic membrane on the ocular surface with sutures to promote tissue repair in a patient with a corneal laceration.