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The CPT® Code 67208 refers to the procedure for the destruction of a localized lesion of the retina, which may include conditions such as macular edema or tumors. This procedure can be performed in one or more sessions and utilizes two primary techniques: cryotherapy and diathermy. In cryotherapy, a freezing probe is applied to the affected area of the retina, while diathermy employs a heat probe to achieve the same goal of lesion destruction. The procedure begins with the use of a lid speculum to hold the eyelids open, allowing for direct access to the eye. Prior to the intervention, the pupil is dilated, and a local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort. During cryotherapy, the probe is positioned over the lesion, and its temperature is carefully controlled to create an ice ball that encompasses the lesion, ensuring complete destruction of the targeted tissue. In contrast, diathermy involves the application of a radiofrequency current to generate heat, which is delivered through a blunt-tipped electrode to the scleral bed over the lesion. Both methods aim to effectively eliminate the localized retinal lesion, thereby addressing the underlying condition and preserving visual function.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 67208 is indicated for the treatment of localized lesions of the retina. These lesions may include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 67208 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the retinal lesion. The first step is the application of a lid speculum, which is used to gently hold the eyelids open, providing clear access to the eye. Following this, the pupil is dilated using appropriate pharmacological agents, and a local anesthetic is applied to the surface of the retina to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
After the procedure, patients may require monitoring for any immediate complications or side effects. It is essential to assess visual acuity to determine the effectiveness of the treatment. Patients may experience some discomfort or temporary visual disturbances following the procedure, which should be managed appropriately. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to evaluate the healing process and the success of the lesion destruction. Additional care instructions may be provided based on the individual patient's response to the treatment.
| Short Descr | TREATMENT OF RETINAL LESION | Medium Descr | DSTRJ LOCLZD LESION RETINA 1/> SESS CRTX DTHRM | Long Descr | Destruction of localized lesion of retina (eg, macular edema, tumors), 1 or more sessions; cryotherapy, diathermy | 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P4D - Eye procedure - treatment of retinal lesions | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 17 - Destruction of lesion of retina and choroid |
| 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. | 74 | Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53. | 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.) | FA | Left hand, thumb | 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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| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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