How To Use CPT Code 67882

CPT 67882 describes a procedure known as construction of intermarginal adhesions, median tarsorrhaphy, or canthorrhaphy, which involves the excision of the inner edges of the eyelids and sewing them together, either partially or fully, in the middle or at the corners. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 67882?

CPT 67882 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure that involves the excision of the inner edges of the eyelids and suturing them together, either partially or fully, in the middle or at the corners. This procedure is performed to allow the cornea to heal in the presence of corneal disease or damage. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as corneal ulcers or severe dry eye syndrome.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 67882 is: ‘Construction of intermarginal adhesions, median tarsorrhaphy, or canthorrhaphy; with transposition of tarsal plate.’ This code should be used when the provider performs the procedure to create adhesions between the eyelids or sutures the eyelids together to improve closure and promote healing of the cornea.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision near the eyelashes and excising the tissue along the margins of the upper and lower eyelids.
2. They then detach the tarsal plate from the superior area of the upper or lower eyelid and suture it into the same area of the opposite eyelid to improve closure.
3. Multiple sutures are passed at the eyelid margin of the upper and lower lids, securing the eyelids together.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 67882 is typically performed when a patient has corneal disease or damage that requires the eyelids to be closed to promote healing. It may also be used in cases where the patient has severe dry eye syndrome. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary skills and training to perform eyelid surgeries.

5. When to use CPT code 67882

CPT code 67882 should be used when the provider performs the construction of intermarginal adhesions, median tarsorrhaphy, or canthorrhaphy procedure with transposition of the tarsal plate. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 67882, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the procedure
• Details of the procedure performed, including the specific technique used
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 67882, it is important to ensure that the procedure was performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that the documentation supports the use of this code. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. Modifier E1 should be used to designate the involved eyelid as upper left, E2 for lower left, E3 for upper right, and E4 for lower right. These modifiers provide additional clinical information and may help prevent payment delays.

8. Historical information

CPT code 67882 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with corneal ulcers undergoes a median tarsorrhaphy procedure to promote healing of the cornea.
2. A patient with severe dry eye syndrome undergoes a canthorrhaphy procedure to improve closure of the eyelids and alleviate symptoms.
3. A patient with corneal damage due to trauma undergoes the construction of intermarginal adhesions to allow the cornea to heal.
4. A patient with corneal disease undergoes a tarsorrhaphy procedure to protect the cornea and promote healing.
5. A patient with recurrent corneal erosions undergoes a canthoplasty procedure to improve the stability of the eyelids and prevent further erosions.
6. A patient with corneal dystrophy undergoes a median tarsorrhaphy procedure to protect the cornea and alleviate symptoms.
7. A patient with corneal scarring undergoes the construction of intermarginal adhesions to improve the appearance of the eyelids and promote healing.
8. A patient with corneal edema undergoes a canthorrhaphy procedure to improve the closure of the eyelids and reduce symptoms.
9. A patient with corneal degeneration undergoes a tarsorrhaphy procedure to protect the cornea and prevent further damage.
10. A patient with corneal opacities undergoes the construction of intermarginal adhesions to improve vision and promote healing.