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Official Description

Removal of lens material; intracapsular, for dislocated lens

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 66930 refers to the surgical procedure for the removal of lens material through an intracapsular approach specifically for a dislocated lens. This procedure is indicated when the natural lens of the eye has become dislocated, which can occur due to trauma, disease, or other factors that compromise the stability of the lens within the eye. The process begins with an incision made at the corneoscleral junction, which is the area where the cornea meets the sclera, allowing access to the lens capsule. Once the lens capsule is exposed, a medication is injected to dissolve the zonal fibers that normally hold the lens in place, facilitating its removal. A cryoprobe is then utilized to freeze the lens, making it easier to extract. After the lens and its capsule are removed, the surgical wound is repaired with sutures, and temporary sutures may be placed through the upper and lower eyelids to keep the eye closed during the healing process. Additionally, a soft bandage or patch may be applied to protect the eye as it recovers. It is important to note that CPT® Code 66930 is specifically used for cases involving a dislocated lens, while CPT® Code 66920 is designated for intracapsular removal of lens material for other conditions.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 66930 is indicated for the removal of lens material in cases of a dislocated lens. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Dislocated Lens The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of a dislocated natural lens, which may result from trauma, surgical complications, or other ocular conditions that lead to the lens being out of its normal position.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 66930 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful removal of the dislocated lens material:

  • Step 1: Incision An incision is made at the corneoscleral junction, which is the area where the cornea meets the sclera. This incision provides access to the lens capsule and is crucial for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 2: Exposure of Lens Capsule Once the incision is made, the lens capsule is carefully exposed. This step is essential to allow for the removal of the lens material that has become dislocated.
  • Step 3: Injection of Medication A medication is injected to dissolve the zonal fibers that hold the lens in place. This facilitates the removal of the lens by loosening its attachment to the surrounding structures.
  • Step 4: Use of Cryoprobe A cryoprobe is then inserted to freeze the lens. Freezing the lens helps in its extraction by making it easier to handle and remove from the eye.
  • Step 5: Removal of Lens and Capsule After the lens has been frozen, the cryoprobe is withdrawn, and both the natural lens and the lens capsule are removed from the eye. This step is critical for addressing the dislocation.
  • Step 6: Wound Repair Following the removal of the lens, the surgical wound is repaired with sutures to ensure proper healing and closure of the incision site.
  • Step 7: Temporary Sutures Temporary sutures may be placed through the upper and lower eyelids to keep the eye closed during the initial healing phase, providing additional protection to the surgical site.
  • Step 8: Application of Bandage or Patch Finally, a soft bandage or patch may be applied to the eye to protect it and aid in the healing process after the surgery.

3. Post-Procedure

After 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 complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider regarding eye care. The temporary sutures placed through the eyelids will be removed at a follow-up appointment, and the application of a bandage or patch may be adjusted based on the healing progress. Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper recovery and to assess the outcome of the surgery.

Short Descr EXTRACTION OF LENS
Medium Descr REMOVAL LENS MATRL INTRACAPSULAR DISLOCATED LENS
Long Descr Removal of lens material; intracapsular, for dislocated lens
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) 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) 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).
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)
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 Medium description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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