How To Use CPT Code 65782

CPT 65782 describes the procedure for ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft. 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 65782?

CPT 65782 can be used to describe the procedure for ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft. In this procedure, the provider harvests a limbal conjunctival autograft from one of the patient’s eyes and transplants it to the other eye to reconstruct the surface of the damaged eye caused by injury or disease.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 65782 is: ‘Ocular surface reconstruction; limbal conjunctival autograft (includes obtaining graft).’ This code does not include the harvesting of a conjunctival allograft from a living donor, which should be reported with CPT code 68371.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure and ensures they are appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider excises part of the conjunctiva and any scar tissue from the recipient eye.
3. The provider removes the conjunctiva from the limbus and exposes the sclera.
4. Any diseased or damaged corneal epithelium is removed.
5. The provider harvests a limbal conjunctival autograft from the healthy eye, dissecting the conjunctival tissue and limbus.
6. The autograft is placed onto the recipient eye and sutured into position.
7. An antibiotic and steroids are applied to the eyes, and eye patches and shields are applied.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 65782 is performed when the patient’s limbus, which contains important cells called limbal cells, is damaged or destroyed, resulting in an abnormal corneal surface. The procedure is used to reconstruct the ocular surface using a limbal conjunctival autograft harvested from the patient’s own healthy eye. This procedure is typically performed by a provider who is experienced in ocular surface reconstruction.

5. When to use CPT code 65782

CPT code 65782 should be used when a provider performs ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft. This code is appropriate when the provider harvests the autograft from the patient’s own eye and transplants it to the affected eye to reconstruct the damaged ocular surface.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 65782, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need for ocular surface reconstruction
• Details of the procedure, including the excision of conjunctiva and scar tissue, removal of corneal epithelium, and placement of the autograft
• Description of the autograft, including the source (patient’s own eye) and any modifications made
• Date of the procedure and the duration of the surgery
• Post-operative care instructions and any medications prescribed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 65782, ensure that the procedure meets the requirements for ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation. CPT code 65782 should not be reported with CPT code 65781, which is used for ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal stem cell allograft.

8. Historical information

CPT 65782 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with a damaged ocular surface due to chemical injury undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.
2. A patient with a corneal scar resulting from trauma undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.
3. A patient with a corneal ulcer undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.
4. A patient with a corneal dystrophy undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.
5. A patient with a corneal infection undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.
6. A patient with a corneal degeneration undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.
7. A patient with a corneal neovascularization undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.
8. A patient with a corneal opacity undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.
9. A patient with a corneal ulceration undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.
10. A patient with a corneal perforation undergoes ocular surface reconstruction using a limbal conjunctival autograft.