How To Use CPT Code 67141

CPT 67141 describes the prophylaxis of retinal detachment without drainage using cryotherapy or diathermy. 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 67141?

CPT 67141 can be used to describe the procedure of preventing the detachment of the retina in the presence of small tears or thinning of the edges (lattice degeneration) using extreme cold or heat to create scar tissue and strengthen the area.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 67141 is: ‘Prophylaxis of retinal detachment (eg, retinal break, lattice degeneration) without drainage; cryotherapy, diathermy.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by placing an ocular speculum to hold the patient’s eyelids open.
2. Using either electric current (diathermy) or a cryoprobe (cryotherapy), the provider creates scar tissue in the area of the retina with small tears or lattice degeneration.
3. The provider may insert the tool through the conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the front of the eye, to create burns in a ribbon formation.
4. This scarring of retinal tissues helps prevent the retina from pulling away from its attachment to the supporting layers within the eye.
5. The provider removes the instrument and completes the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 67141 is performed when there are small tears or lattice degeneration in the retina that require prophylaxis to prevent detachment. The procedure is done by creating scar tissue using cryotherapy or diathermy. It is important to note that this procedure does not involve drainage.

5. When to use CPT code 67141

CPT code 67141 should be used when the provider performs prophylaxis of retinal detachment without drainage using cryotherapy or diathermy. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that it meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 67141, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the presence of small tears or lattice degeneration in the retina
• Procedure performed, specifying the use of cryotherapy or diathermy
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of an ocular speculum, insertion of the tool through the conjunctiva, and creation of burns in a ribbon formation
• Completion of the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 67141, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation. Additionally, be aware of any specific billing guidelines or modifiers that may be required for proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 67141 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been updates to the code, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2022, which revised the code description to include the phrase ‘one or more sessions.’

9. Examples

1. A provider performs cryotherapy to prevent retinal detachment in a patient with lattice degeneration.
2. Using diathermy, a provider creates scar tissue to strengthen the area and prevent retinal detachment in a patient with small retinal tears.
3. A patient with lattice degeneration undergoes cryotherapy to reduce the risk of retinal detachment.
4. A provider uses diathermy to create scar tissue and prevent retinal detachment in a patient with thinning edges of the retina.
5. Cryotherapy is performed to prophylactically treat a patient with small retinal tears and prevent detachment.
6. A provider uses diathermy to strengthen the area and prevent retinal detachment in a patient with lattice degeneration.
7. A patient with thinning edges of the retina undergoes cryotherapy to reduce the risk of detachment.
8. A provider performs diathermy to create scar tissue and prevent retinal detachment in a patient with small retinal tears.
9. Cryotherapy is used to prophylactically treat a patient with lattice degeneration and prevent retinal detachment.
10. A provider uses diathermy to strengthen the area and prevent retinal detachment in a patient with thinning edges of the retina.