How To Use CPT Code 67318

CPT 67318 describes a specific surgical procedure used to readjust the superior oblique muscle in order to correct the movement of the eyeballs in patients with strabismus. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 67318?

CPT 67318 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure performed on the superior oblique muscle to strengthen the muscles and correct the movement of the eyeballs in patients with strabismus. This code is used when the provider performs a specific readjustment of the superior oblique muscle to realign the eye muscle and improve the patient’s vision.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 67318 is: ‘Strabismus surgery, any procedure, superior oblique muscle.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the conjunctiva of the eye, posterior to the point of attachment of the cornea and sclera.
3. An ocular speculum is placed to hold the boundaries of the eye open for inspection.
4. Another incision is made to gain access to the sclera.
5. The provider clamps the superior rectus muscle to expose the superior oblique tendon.
6. The superior oblique muscle is repaired or adjusted to realign the eye muscle.
7. The site is flushed with sterile saline to ensure cleanliness.
8. Hemostasis is achieved to control bleeding.
9. The site is closed with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 67318 is performed on patients with strabismus, a condition where the eyes are not able to direct in the same direction, commonly known as squint. The procedure specifically targets the superior oblique muscle. The patient must have a documented diagnosis of strabismus and be in need of surgical intervention to correct the movement of the eyeballs. The procedure is performed by a qualified provider who has the necessary expertise in strabismus surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 67318

CPT code 67318 should be used when the provider performs a surgical procedure on the superior oblique muscle to correct the movement of the eyeballs in patients with strabismus. This code is appropriate when the specific readjustment or repair of the superior oblique muscle is performed. It should not be used for other procedures or surgeries unrelated to the superior oblique muscle.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 67318, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of strabismus
• Details of the surgical procedure performed on the superior oblique muscle
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 67318, ensure that the procedure performed is specifically related to the superior oblique muscle and the correction of strabismus. It is important to use the correct CPT code that accurately describes the procedure performed. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 67318 with other codes, but it is important to ensure that the reported codes accurately reflect the services provided during the surgical procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 67318 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1991. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs strabismus surgery on the superior oblique muscle to correct the movement of the eyeballs in a patient with diagnosed strabismus.
2. During a surgical procedure, the provider readjusts the superior oblique muscle to strengthen the muscles and improve the patient’s vision.
3. A patient with strabismus undergoes a surgical procedure on the superior oblique muscle to realign the eye muscle and correct the squint.
4. The provider performs a specific procedure on the superior oblique muscle to correct the movement of the eyeballs in a patient with strabismus.
5. During a surgical intervention, the provider repairs the superior oblique muscle to improve the patient’s vision and correct the misalignment of the eyes.
6. A patient with diagnosed strabismus undergoes a surgical procedure on the superior oblique muscle to correct the positioning of the eyes.
7. The provider performs a surgical procedure on the superior oblique muscle to strengthen the muscles and improve the patient’s ability to direct their eyes in the same direction.
8. During a strabismus surgery, the provider adjusts the superior oblique muscle to correct the movement of the eyeballs and improve the patient’s vision.
9. A patient with strabismus undergoes a surgical procedure on the superior oblique muscle to correct the misalignment of the eyes and improve their visual function.
10. The provider performs a specific surgical procedure on the superior oblique muscle to readjust the muscles and correct the movement of the eyeballs in a patient with strabismus.