How To Use CPT Code 66720

CPT code 66720 describes a procedure known as ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 66720?

CPT 66720 is a code used to describe a specific procedure called ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy. This procedure involves the use of extreme cold to lower the temperature and destroy a portion of the ciliary body. By doing so, the production of fluid in the eye is reduced, resulting in a decrease in intraocular pressure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 66720 is: ‘Ciliary body destruction; cryotherapy.’

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, typically with local anesthesia.
2. The healthcare provider then applies a cryoprobe at a slight distance from the border of the cornea and sclera.
3. The cryoprobe delivers a targeted burst of extreme cold to the affected location, effectively destroying the cells of the ciliary body.
4. This destruction of the ciliary body reduces intraocular pressure without causing significant damage to the surrounding muscles.
5. After the procedure, the provider administers a topical antibiotic to the eye and applies an eye pressure patch.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 66720 is used when there is a need to decrease intraocular pressure by destroying a portion of the ciliary body. This procedure is typically performed on patients with conditions that result in increased intraocular pressure, such as glaucoma. It is important to note that this procedure should only be performed by a qualified healthcare provider who is experienced in cryotherapy techniques.

5. When to use CPT code 66720

CPT code 66720 should be used when a healthcare provider performs ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy. This code is appropriate when the procedure is performed to decrease intraocular pressure and is not typically used for other purposes. It is important to review the documentation and ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description of CPT code 66720.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 66720, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure and the need to decrease intraocular pressure
• Details of the cryotherapy procedure, including the use of a cryoprobe and the targeted application of extreme cold
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during or after the procedure
• Administration of topical antibiotic and application of an eye pressure patch
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 66720, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description of ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy. This code should not be reported with other codes unless there are specific circumstances that warrant additional codes. It is crucial to review the documentation and follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 66720 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 patient with glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy to decrease intraocular pressure.
2. A healthcare provider performs ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy on a patient with ocular hypertension.
3. CPT code 66720 is used when a patient with neovascular glaucoma requires ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy.
4. A healthcare provider performs ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy on a patient with secondary glaucoma.
5. A patient with pigmentary glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy to manage intraocular pressure.
6. Ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy is performed on a patient with angle-closure glaucoma to decrease intraocular pressure.
7. A healthcare provider performs ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy on a patient with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
8. CPT code 66720 is used when a patient with traumatic glaucoma requires ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy.
9. A patient with uveitic glaucoma undergoes ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy to manage intraocular pressure.
10. Ciliary body destruction using cryotherapy is performed on a patient with juvenile glaucoma to decrease intraocular pressure.