How To Use CPT Code 67700

CPT 67700 describes the surgical procedure known as blepharotomy, which involves the drainage of an abscess in the eyelid. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 67700, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 67700?

CPT 67700 is a code used to describe the surgical procedure known as blepharotomy. This procedure involves the incision of the eyelid to drain a pocket of infection, specifically an abscess. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider who is appropriately prepped and anesthetized. The provider marks the site of the abscess and makes a transverse incision over it. The pus is then drained from the abscess, and the site is flushed with sterile solution. Finally, the provider closes the incision with sutures in layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 67700 is: ‘Blepharotomy, drainage of abscess, eyelid.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider marks the site of the abscess on the eyelid.
2. A transverse incision is made over the abscess.
3. The provider drains the pus from the abscess.
4. The site is flushed with sterile solution.
5. The incision is closed with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 67700 is performed when a patient has an abscess in their eyelid that requires drainage. An abscess is a collection of pus in a walled-off sac or pocket, resulting from an infection. The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider who is appropriately prepped and anesthetized. It may involve the use of microsurgical techniques, which employ very small instruments while viewing the surgical field through an operative microscope.

5. When to use CPT code 67700

CPT code 67700 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the eyelid. It is important to note that this code should not be used for any other procedures or conditions. It is specific to the drainage of abscesses in the eyelid.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 67700, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of an abscess in the eyelid
• Details of the procedure, including the site of the abscess and the incision made
• Documentation of the drainage of pus from the abscess
• Use of microsurgical techniques, if applicable
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 67700, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed is a blepharotomy for the drainage of an abscess in the eyelid. The use of a modifier may be necessary to designate the involved eyelid. It is also important to note that microsurgical techniques are included in this procedure, so there is no need to separately report them. However, if there are additional procedures performed, they should be reported separately.

8. Historical information

CPT code 67700 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 healthcare provider performs a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the upper left eyelid of a patient.
2. A patient presents with an abscess in the lower right eyelid, and a healthcare provider performs a blepharotomy to drain it.
3. A healthcare provider performs a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the upper right eyelid, using microsurgical techniques.
4. A patient undergoes a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the lower left eyelid, with extensive undermining and placement of seton(s).
5. A healthcare provider performs a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the upper left eyelid, with canthotomy and tarsorrhaphy.
6. A patient requires a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the lower right eyelid, with canthotomy, tarsorrhaphy, and cantholysis.
7. A healthcare provider performs a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the upper right eyelid, with extensive undermining and placement of seton(s), and canthotomy.
8. A patient undergoes a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the lower left eyelid, with extensive undermining and placement of seton(s), canthotomy, and tarsorrhaphy.
9. A healthcare provider performs a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the upper left eyelid, with canthotomy, tarsorrhaphy, and cantholysis.
10. A patient requires a blepharotomy to drain an abscess in the lower right eyelid, with extensive undermining and placement of seton(s), canthotomy, tarsorrhaphy, and cantholysis.