How To Use CPT Code 66710

CPT 66710 describes a procedure known as ciliary body destruction or cyclophotocoagulation, which involves the use of a laser beam to destroy a portion of the ciliary body. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 66710, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and similar codes.

1. What is CPT Code 66710?

CPT 66710 is a code used to describe the procedure of ciliary body destruction or cyclophotocoagulation. This procedure involves the use of a laser beam to destroy a portion of the ciliary body, which is responsible for producing fluid in the eye. By reducing the fluid production, intraocular pressure is decreased, helping to manage certain eye conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 66710 is: ‘Ciliary body destruction; cyclophotocoagulation, transscleral.’

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, usually opposite the site of the ciliary body that will be treated.
3. A laser probe is then placed on the sclera to deliver a laser beam to the ciliary body.
4. The laser beam passes through the sclera and targets the ciliary body, destroying a portion of it.
5. After the procedure, the provider closes the incision with sutures and administers a topical antibiotic to the eye, followed by the application of an eye pressure patch.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 66710 is typically performed on patients with certain eye conditions that require the reduction of intraocular pressure. The procedure is performed by a provider who is trained and qualified to use a laser beam for ciliary body destruction. It is important to note that this procedure is transscleral, meaning it is performed through the sclera of the eye.

5. When to use CPT code 66710

CPT code 66710 should be used when a provider performs ciliary body destruction or cyclophotocoagulation using a laser beam through the sclera. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the procedure is performed endoscopically, a different code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 66710, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the medical necessity for ciliary body destruction
• Description of the procedure performed, including the use of a laser beam and the specific portion of the ciliary body targeted
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the incision made in the conjunctiva and sclera
• Documentation of the laser probe placement and delivery of the laser beam
• Information about the closure of the incision and post-procedure care
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 66710, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The provider should use the appropriate code based on the specific procedure performed. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers or coding authorities.

8. Historical information

CPT code 66710 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1992. There have been historical changes to the code, with a code change occurring on January 1, 2005.

9. Examples

1. A patient with glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction using a laser beam to reduce intraocular pressure.
2. A provider performs cyclophotocoagulation on a patient with ocular hypertension to manage their condition.
3. A patient with neovascular glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction to control their intraocular pressure.
4. A provider performs cyclophotocoagulation on a patient with refractory glaucoma to help manage their symptoms.
5. A patient with uveitic glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction to reduce their intraocular pressure.
6. A provider performs cyclophotocoagulation on a patient with secondary glaucoma to help manage their condition.
7. A patient with angle-closure glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction to control their intraocular pressure.
8. A provider performs cyclophotocoagulation on a patient with pigmentary glaucoma to help manage their symptoms.
9. A patient with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction to reduce their intraocular pressure.
10. A provider performs cyclophotocoagulation on a patient with juvenile glaucoma to help manage their condition.