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The CPT® Code 66920 refers to the procedure for the removal of lens material through an intracapsular approach. This surgical intervention is typically indicated for various conditions affecting the lens, excluding dislocated lenses. The procedure begins with an incision made at the corneoscleral junction, which is the area where the cornea meets the sclera of the eye. This incision allows access to the lens capsule, which is the thin membrane surrounding the lens. To facilitate the removal of the lens, medication is injected to dissolve the zonal fibers that hold the lens in place, thereby loosening it from its natural position. A cryoprobe, a specialized instrument that uses extreme cold, is then inserted to freeze the lens, making it easier to extract. Once the lens is frozen, the probe is withdrawn, and both the natural lens and the lens capsule are carefully removed from the eye. After the lens material has been extracted, the surgical wound is repaired using sutures to ensure proper healing. Additionally, temporary sutures may be placed through the upper and lower eyelids to keep the eye closed during the initial healing phase. A soft bandage or patch may also be applied to protect the eye as it recovers from the procedure. It is important to note that this code should be used specifically for cases where the intracapsular removal of lens material is performed for conditions other than a dislocated lens, as a different code (CPT® Code 66930) is designated for the removal of a dislocated natural lens and lens capsule.
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The procedure associated with CPT® Code 66920 is indicated for the removal of lens material in cases where the lens is affected by conditions other than dislocation. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:
The procedure for CPT® Code 66920 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful removal of the lens material:
After the completion of the procedure, patients can expect a recovery period during which the eye will need to heal. Post-procedure care may include monitoring for any signs of infection or complications, as well as following specific instructions provided by the surgeon. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and to keep the eye protected with a bandage or patch as needed. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess healing and to determine if any further treatment is required. It is essential for patients to adhere to the post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal recovery and to minimize the risk of complications.
| Short Descr | EXTRACTION OF LENS | Medium Descr | RMVL LENS MATERIAL INTRACAPSULAR | Long Descr | Removal of lens material; intracapsular | 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) | 0 - 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 | 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) | P4B - Eye procedure - cataract removal/lens insertion | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 15 - Lens and cataract procedures |
| 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. | 55 | Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number. | 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 |
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