Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 66600 is an iridectomy, which involves the surgical removal of a small, full-thickness section of the iris, the colored part of the eye. This procedure is specifically performed for the removal of a lesion located on the iris. To begin the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure that the patient does not experience pain during the operation. The surgeon then makes an incision either in the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, or at the limbus, which is the border between the cornea and the sclera, the white part of the eye. Once the incision is made, the surgeon excises the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue surrounding it to ensure complete removal and minimize the risk of recurrence. This procedure is distinct from CPT® Code 66605, which involves an iridectomy combined with a cyclectomy, where a portion of the ciliary body is also removed. The ciliary body is located just behind the iris and plays a crucial role in producing aqueous humor, the fluid that fills the anterior chamber of the eye, and in controlling the eye's ability to focus. The iridectomy procedure is essential for addressing lesions that may affect vision or cause other complications within the eye.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The iridectomy procedure described by CPT® Code 66600 is indicated for the removal of lesions located on the iris. These lesions may present as tumors, cysts, or other abnormal growths that can potentially affect vision or lead to further ocular complications. The procedure is performed to alleviate symptoms associated with these lesions and to prevent any progression that could compromise the health of the eye.
The iridectomy procedure involves several key steps to ensure the effective removal of the lesion. First, the patient is positioned comfortably, and a local anesthetic is applied to the eye to numb the area and minimize discomfort during the procedure. Following the administration of anesthesia, the surgeon makes a precise incision in the cornea or at the limbus of the sclera. This incision allows access to the iris. Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully excises the lesion from the iris, ensuring to include a margin of healthy tissue surrounding the lesion. This margin is critical to ensure complete removal of the lesion and to reduce the risk of recurrence. After the lesion and the surrounding tissue are removed, the surgeon may close the incision, depending on the specific technique used and the extent of the procedure. Throughout the process, the surgeon maintains a sterile environment to prevent infection and ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.
After the iridectomy procedure, patients are typically monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include the use of prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow up with their ophthalmologist for further evaluation and monitoring of the surgical site. Recovery time can vary, but most patients can expect to resume normal activities within a few days, depending on their individual healing process and the extent of the procedure performed. It is essential for patients to adhere to their follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns that may arise during the recovery period.
| Short Descr | REMOVE IRIS AND LESION | Medium Descr | IRDEC CRNLSCLRL/CRNL SCTJ RMVL LES | Long Descr | Iridectomy, with corneoscleral or corneal section; for removal of lesion | 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) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | 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 | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; 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 | 20 - Other intraocular therapeutic procedures |
| 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). | 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. | 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. | 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.) | 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.) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.