How To Use CPT Code 66500

CPT 66500 describes a specific procedure performed by a healthcare provider to treat angle closure glaucoma. 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 66500?

CPT 66500 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure known as iridotomy. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider to decrease pressure in the eye caused by a blockage preventing the drainage of aqueous fluid. It is commonly used to treat angle closure glaucoma, a condition where the pressure inside the eye rises quickly due to blocked or covered drainage canals.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 66500 is: ‘Iridotomy by stab incision (separate procedure); except transfixion.’

3. Procedure

1. During an iridotomy procedure, the healthcare provider makes a puncture-like opening in the iris, the colored portion of the eye, to improve the flow of aqueous fluid and decrease intraocular pressure.
2. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and the provider begins by placing an ocular speculum to hold the eye open.
3. A single incision is made in the limbus, the junction of the cornea and sclera, without piercing the other side of the limbus.
4. This incision creates communication between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye, allowing fluid to drain.
5. The incision is closed using sutures, and a sterile saline solution or water may be injected into the eye to restore pressure.
6. A pressure patch with antibiotic ointment may be applied after the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Iridotomy is performed when a blockage in the trabecular meshwork, a sponge-like tissue near the cornea and iris, prevents the drainage of aqueous fluid from the eye. This procedure is typically indicated for patients with angle closure glaucoma, where the pressure inside the eye rises quickly due to blocked or covered drainage canals.

5. When to use CPT code 66500

CPT code 66500 should be used when a healthcare provider performs an iridotomy procedure to treat angle closure glaucoma. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to the iridotomy procedure performed by stab incision, excluding transfixion.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 66500, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of angle closure glaucoma
• Details of the iridotomy procedure, including the use of stab incision
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 66500, ensure that the procedure performed matches the description of iridotomy by stab incision. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and documentation requirements for this code. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or additional codes that may need to be reported in conjunction with CPT 66500.

8. Historical information

CPT 66500 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 healthcare provider performs an iridotomy procedure using stab incision to treat angle closure glaucoma in a patient.
2. During the iridotomy procedure, the healthcare provider creates an opening in the iris to improve fluid drainage and decrease intraocular pressure in a patient with angle closure glaucoma.
3. A patient undergoes an iridotomy procedure by stab incision to alleviate pressure in the eye caused by angle closure glaucoma.
4. A healthcare provider performs an iridotomy procedure using stab incision to treat a patient with angle closure glaucoma and improve fluid drainage.
5. During the iridotomy procedure, the healthcare provider makes a puncture-like opening in the iris to relieve pressure in the eye caused by angle closure glaucoma.
6. A patient with angle closure glaucoma undergoes an iridotomy procedure by stab incision to improve fluid drainage and decrease intraocular pressure.
7. A healthcare provider performs an iridotomy procedure using stab incision to treat a patient with angle closure glaucoma and prevent further complications.
8. During the iridotomy procedure, the healthcare provider creates a communication between the anterior and posterior chambers of the eye to alleviate pressure caused by angle closure glaucoma.
9. A patient undergoes an iridotomy procedure by stab incision to improve fluid drainage and reduce intraocular pressure associated with angle closure glaucoma.
10. A healthcare provider performs an iridotomy procedure using stab incision to relieve pressure in the eye and improve the patient’s condition of angle closure glaucoma.