How To Use CPT Code 67015

CPT 67015 describes the aspiration or release of vitreous, subretinal, or choroidal fluid using a pars plana approach. 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 67015?

CPT 67015 can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider removes vitreous, subretinal, or choroidal fluid from the eye using a pars plana approach. This involves inserting a needle into the posterior chamber of the eye through the pars plana.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 67015 is: ‘Aspiration or release of vitreous, subretinal or choroidal fluid, pars plana approach (posterior sclerotomy).’ This code specifically refers to the removal of fluid from the eye using a pars plana approach.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. Three small incisions are made in the sclera, away from the pars plana.
3. An infusion cannula is sutured into one incision, while scleral plugs are placed in the other two incisions.
4. Using an illumination probe and a vitreous cutting handpiece, the provider removes the vitreous, subretinal, or choroidal fluid.
5. The instrumentation is removed, and the sclerotomy sites are closed with sutures.
6. If necessary, balanced salt solution is used to replace the removed vitreous and restore intraocular pressure.
7. A pressure patch with antibiotic ointment is applied to the eye.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 67015 is performed when there is a need to remove vitreous, subretinal, or choroidal fluid from the eye. This procedure is typically done to treat conditions such as suprachoroidal hemorrhage or to relieve increased intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma. It is important to note that this procedure requires a pars plana approach.

5. When to use CPT code 67015

CPT code 67015 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the aspiration or release of vitreous, subretinal, or choroidal fluid using a pars plana approach. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 67015, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure and the specific condition being treated
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a pars plana approach
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 67015, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the code description. It should be reported separately and not bundled with other procedures. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by payers or coding authorities.

8. Historical information

CPT 67015 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 undergoes CPT 67015 to remove subretinal fluid caused by a retinal detachment.
2. A healthcare provider performs CPT 67015 to aspirate vitreous fluid in a patient with vitreous hemorrhage.
3. CPT 67015 is used to release choroidal fluid in a patient with suprachoroidal hemorrhage.
4. A patient with glaucoma undergoes CPT 67015 to relieve increased intraocular pressure.
5. A healthcare provider performs CPT 67015 to remove vitreous fluid in a patient with a macular hole.
6. CPT 67015 is used to release subretinal fluid in a patient with choroidal neovascularization.
7. A patient undergoes CPT 67015 to remove vitreous fluid in preparation for cataract surgery.
8. A healthcare provider performs CPT 67015 to aspirate vitreous fluid in a patient with endophthalmitis.
9. CPT 67015 is used to release subretinal fluid in a patient with a retinal pigment epithelial tear.
10. A patient with diabetic retinopathy undergoes CPT 67015 to remove vitreous fluid and scar tissue.