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Official Description

Ocular surface reconstruction; amniotic membrane transplantation, multiple layers

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 65780 involves ocular surface reconstruction through the transplantation of amniotic membrane, specifically utilizing multiple layers. This surgical intervention is primarily indicated for the treatment of damage to the ocular surface, which may arise from various causes such as traumatic injury or pathological conditions affecting the eye. The amniotic membrane serves as a biological graft that provides a conducive environment for healing, acting as a basement membrane that facilitates the process of epithelialization. The amniotic membrane is sourced from a tissue bank, ensuring that it is properly prepared for transplantation. During the procedure, the physician may employ different techniques, such as inlay or overlay methods, depending on the depth and extent of the corneal defect. The inlay technique involves placing the graft directly into the defect, ensuring that the edges do not extend beyond the area of damage, while the overlay technique covers the entire corneal surface, including the limbus, to protect the underlying tissue. This protective layer not only aids in the healing process by allowing oxygen and moisture to reach the damaged epithelium but also promotes regeneration. In cases of deeper defects, a multilayered amniotic membrane graft may be utilized as a filler, which can subsequently be secured with sutures and may be covered with either an inlay or overlay graft for additional support and protection.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The ocular surface reconstruction procedure using amniotic membrane transplantation is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Ocular Surface Damage Damage to the ocular surface resulting from traumatic injuries or diseases that compromise the integrity of the cornea.
  • Corneal Defects Presence of corneal defects that require surgical intervention to restore normal function and promote healing.
  • Pathological Conditions Conditions such as chemical burns, infections, or other diseases that lead to significant epithelial loss or damage.

2. Procedure

The procedure for ocular surface reconstruction using amniotic membrane transplantation involves several critical steps:

  • Preparation of the Graft The amniotic membrane graft is obtained from a tissue bank and meticulously prepared for transplantation. This preparation ensures that the graft is suitable for surgical use and free from contaminants.
  • Debridement of Corneal Epithelium The corneal epithelium is debrided as necessary to remove any damaged or unhealthy tissue, creating a clean surface for the graft to adhere to and facilitating optimal healing.
  • Trimming the Graft The graft material is then trimmed to match the size and shape of the corneal defect, ensuring a precise fit that will enhance the effectiveness of the repair.
  • Inlay Technique If using the inlay technique, the graft is carefully placed into the defect, ensuring that the edges of the graft do not extend beyond the boundaries of the defect. This precision is crucial for proper healing.
  • Securing the Graft The graft is secured in place using interrupted sutures, which help to maintain the position of the graft and promote integration with the surrounding tissue.
  • Overlay Technique In cases where the overlay technique is employed, the entire corneal surface, including the limbus, is covered with the amniotic membrane graft. This technique provides a protective layer over the damaged epithelium.
  • Promotion of Healing The overlay graft not only protects the underlying tissue but also allows for the passage of oxygen and moisture, which are essential for the regeneration of the epithelium and overall healing of the cornea.
  • Multilayered Graft for Deeper Defects For deeper corneal defects, a multilayered amniotic membrane graft may be utilized as a filler. Once this graft is placed and secured with sutures, it may be covered with either an inlay or overlay graft for additional support.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following amniotic membrane transplantation involves monitoring the graft site for signs of healing and potential complications. Patients may be advised to avoid rubbing or putting pressure on the eye to ensure the graft remains undisturbed. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the integration of the graft and the healing process of the ocular surface. Additional treatments, such as topical medications or protective eye shields, may be prescribed to support recovery and prevent infection. The expected recovery time can vary based on the extent of the ocular damage and the individual patient's healing response.

Short Descr OCULAR RECONST TRANSPLANT
Medium Descr OCULAR SURFACE RECONSTRUCTION AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE
Long Descr Ocular surface reconstruction; amniotic membrane transplantation, multiple layers
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P4E - Eye procedure - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 176 - Other organ transplantation
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
E4 Lower right, eyelid
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Long description revised. Medium description changed. Short description changed. Guideline information changed.
2004-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2004.
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