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Official Description

Removal of implanted material, posterior segment; extraocular

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67120 involves the removal of implanted material from the posterior segment of the eye, specifically targeting extraocular or intraocular materials. The posterior segment is a critical area of the eye that includes the anterior hyaloid membrane and various optical structures located behind it, such as the vitreous humor, retina, choroid, and optic nerve. This procedure is typically indicated for the extraction of materials like silicone oil or displaced intraocular lenses. Notably, this removal is performed without the need for a vitrectomy, which is a more invasive procedure that involves the removal of the vitreous gel from the eye. The goal of this procedure is to address complications arising from the presence of these materials, thereby improving visual outcomes and overall eye health.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 67120 is indicated for specific conditions related to the presence of implanted materials in the posterior segment of the eye. The following are the primary indications for performing this procedure:

  • Silicone Oil Removal Removal of silicone oil that has been previously implanted in the eye, often used to treat retinal detachments.
  • Displaced Intraocular Lens Extraction of an intraocular lens that has become displaced from its intended position, which may cause visual disturbances or other complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 67120 involves several key steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of the implanted material from the posterior segment of the eye. Each step is crucial for achieving the desired outcome while minimizing risks to the patient.

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration The procedure begins with the administration of appropriate anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. This may involve local anesthesia to numb the eye area, allowing the surgeon to perform the procedure without causing pain.
  • Step 2: Accessing the Eye The surgeon then carefully accesses the posterior segment of the eye. This may involve creating a small incision or using specialized instruments to reach the area where the implanted material is located.
  • Step 3: Identification of Implanted Material Once access is achieved, the surgeon identifies the specific implanted material that needs to be removed, such as silicone oil or a displaced intraocular lens. This step is critical for ensuring that the correct material is targeted during the procedure.
  • Step 4: Removal of Material The surgeon proceeds to remove the identified material using specialized tools designed for delicate manipulation within the eye. Care is taken to avoid damaging surrounding structures during this process.
  • Step 5: Closure After the material has been successfully removed, the surgeon closes the incision, if applicable, and ensures that the eye is stable. This may involve suturing or using other closure techniques to promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure associated with CPT® Code 67120, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. It is essential to monitor the eye for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding. Patients may be prescribed anti-inflammatory or antibiotic eye drops to aid in recovery and prevent infection. Additionally, follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to assess healing and ensure that the eye is responding well after the removal of the implanted material. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow any specific instructions provided by their healthcare provider to promote optimal recovery.

Short Descr REMOVE EYE IMPLANT MATERIAL
Medium Descr RMVL IMPLNT MATL POSTERIOR SEGMENT EXTRAOCULAR
Long Descr Removal of implanted material, posterior segment; extraocular
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 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) P4C - Eye procedure - retinal detachment
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 20 - Other intraocular therapeutic 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).
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
ET Emergency services
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
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
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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