How To Use CPT Code 65920

CPT 65920 describes the removal of previously implanted material, such as an artificial lens, from the anterior segment of the eye. 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 65920?

CPT 65920 can be used to describe the removal of previously implanted material, specifically an artificial lens, from the anterior segment of the eye. This code is used when a physician performs the procedure to remove the lens that was previously implanted in the patient’s eye.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 65920 is: ‘Removal of implanted material, anterior segment of eye.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. A lid speculum is placed to keep the patient’s eye open and provide exposure.
3. A paracentesis is created to drain fluid from the eye and balance the overall pressure.
4. An anesthetic is injected through the paracentesis.
5. The physician makes a full thickness incision in the cornea, creating flaps to allow access to the anterior chamber.
6. The previously implanted artificial lens is carefully removed from the anterior segment of the eye.
7. The incision in the cornea is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 65920 is performed when there is a need to remove an artificial lens that was previously implanted in the anterior segment of the eye. This procedure is typically done when the patient has undergone cataract surgery or needs to replace a damaged natural lens. The physician must ensure that the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized before performing the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 65920

CPT code 65920 should be used when a physician performs the removal of an artificial lens from the anterior segment of the eye. It is important to note that if the lens has dropped posteriorly into the vitreous and is removed in conjunction with a pars plana vitrectomy, a different code, such as 67121, should be reported instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 65920, the physician must document the following information:

• Reason for the removal of the implanted material
• Details of the procedure, including the use of lid speculum, paracentesis, and sutures
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 65920, ensure that the procedure is performed by a physician and involves the removal of previously implanted material from the anterior segment of the eye. It is important to follow the specific guidelines for reporting this code and to consider any additional procedures performed during the same session. If the lens is removed in conjunction with a pars plana vitrectomy, a different code should be reported. It is also important to use the appropriate modifiers, if necessary, to indicate the professional and technical components of the procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 65920 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician removes an artificial lens from the anterior segment of the eye of a patient who previously underwent cataract surgery.
2. A patient needs to replace a damaged natural lens, and a physician performs the removal of the lens from the anterior segment of the eye.
3. A physician removes an artificial lens that has caused complications in the anterior segment of the eye.
4. A patient undergoes a procedure to remove an artificial lens and replace it with a secondary implant in the anterior segment of the eye.
5. A physician performs the removal of an artificial lens from the anterior segment of the eye during a complex eye surgery.
6. A patient requires the removal of an artificial lens due to an infection in the anterior segment of the eye, and a physician performs the procedure.
7. A physician removes an artificial lens from the anterior segment of the eye to correct a refractive error.
8. A patient experiences discomfort and vision problems due to an artificial lens, and a physician performs the removal of the lens from the anterior segment of the eye.
9. A physician removes an artificial lens from the anterior segment of the eye as part of a comprehensive eye examination.
10. A patient undergoes the removal of an artificial lens from the anterior segment of the eye to address complications from a previous eye surgery.