How To Use CPT Code 66700

CPT 66700 describes a procedure known as ciliary body destruction using diathermy. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 66700?

CPT 66700 is a code used to describe a specific procedure called ciliary body destruction. This procedure involves the application of heat to a portion of the ciliary body in order to decrease the production of fluid in the eye and reduce intraocular pressure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 66700 is: ‘Ciliary body destruction; diathermy.’

3. Procedure

1. The procedure begins with the patient being appropriately prepped and anesthetized, typically with local anesthesia.
2. The provider makes an incision in the conjunctiva and through the sclera, opposite the site of the ciliary body that will be treated.
3. A heating electrode is then used to burn a portion of the ciliary body, reducing intraocular pressure without causing significant damage.
4. The incision is closed with sutures, and a topical antibiotic is administered to the eye. An eye pressure patch may also be applied.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 66700 is performed on patients who require a reduction in intraocular pressure. This procedure is typically used for patients with conditions such as glaucoma. It is important that the provider is skilled in performing ciliary body destruction using diathermy.

5. When to use CPT code 66700

CPT code 66700 should be used when a provider performs ciliary body destruction using diathermy to reduce intraocular pressure. It is important to note that this code should not be used if other codes, such as those for additional procedures or services, are already reported for the same encounter.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 66700, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for ciliary body destruction
• Details of the procedure, including the specific portion of the ciliary body treated
• Date of the procedure
• Incision location and closure method
• Administration of topical antibiotic and application of an eye pressure patch, if applicable

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 66700, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed using diathermy and that the documentation supports the use of this code. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. Additionally, it is important to note that CPT code 66700 should not be reported with other codes for additional procedures or services performed during the same encounter.

8. Historical information

CPT 66700 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 with glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction using diathermy to reduce intraocular pressure.
2. A provider performs ciliary body destruction using diathermy on a patient with ocular hypertension.
3. Ciliary body destruction using diathermy is performed on a patient with neovascular glaucoma.
4. A provider uses diathermy to perform ciliary body destruction on a patient with secondary glaucoma.
5. A patient with pigmentary glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction using diathermy to reduce intraocular pressure.
6. Ciliary body destruction using diathermy is performed on a patient with chronic angle-closure glaucoma.
7. A provider performs ciliary body destruction using diathermy on a patient with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
8. A patient with normal-tension glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction using diathermy to reduce intraocular pressure.
9. Ciliary body destruction using diathermy is performed on a patient with juvenile open-angle glaucoma.
10. A provider uses diathermy to perform ciliary body destruction on a patient with primary angle-closure glaucoma.