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Official Description

Excision of chalazion; multiple, same lid

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 67801 refers to the excision of multiple chalazia from the same eyelid. A chalazion is defined as an inflammatory lesion that occurs on the eyelid, resulting from the obstruction of a sebaceous gland. This obstruction can lead to the formation of a cyst-like structure that may vary in depth, being classified as either superficial or deep based on the specific gland that is blocked. Superficial chalazia can typically be addressed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia, allowing for a less invasive approach. In contrast, deep chalazia, particularly those involving the meibomian glands, may necessitate hospitalization and the use of general anesthesia due to their complexity and the potential for more extensive surgical intervention. The procedure involves making a vertical incision on the palpebral conjunctival surface, followed by the removal of the chalazion through curettage or dissection from the surrounding tissue. In cases where the chalazion is associated with a meibomian gland, the physician may opt to cauterize or excise the gland itself. If the chalazion extends to the skin surface, an incision may be made directly on the eyelid skin rather than through the conjunctiva. It is important to note that for the excision of a single chalazion, the appropriate code is 67800, while 67805 is designated for multiple chalazia affecting both eyelids. In instances where general anesthesia or hospitalization is required for the removal of one or more chalazia, the code 67808 should be utilized.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 67801 is indicated for the excision of multiple chalazia located on the same eyelid. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Chalazia Formation The presence of one or more chalazia that have developed due to the obstruction of sebaceous glands in the eyelid.
  • Persistent Symptoms Ongoing discomfort, swelling, or irritation caused by the chalazia that has not responded to conservative treatments.
  • Cosmetic Concerns Aesthetic issues arising from the visible presence of chalazia that may affect the patient's appearance.
  • Infection Risk Potential for secondary infection or complications arising from untreated chalazia.

2. Procedure

The procedure for excising multiple chalazia from the same eyelid involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration The procedure typically begins with the administration of local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort during the excision. In cases where the chalazia are deep or extensive, general anesthesia may be required.
  • Step 2: Incision Creation A vertical incision is made on the palpebral conjunctival surface of the eyelid. This approach allows for direct access to the chalazia while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 3: Chalazion Removal The chalazia are then excised using either curettage, which involves scraping out the lesion, or by carefully dissecting the chalazion from the surrounding tissue. This step is crucial to ensure complete removal and to prevent recurrence.
  • Step 4: Gland Management If a chalazion is associated with a meibomian gland, the physician may choose to cauterize or excise the gland to address the underlying obstruction and reduce the likelihood of future chalazia formation.
  • Step 5: Closure After the chalazia have been removed, the incision may be left to heal naturally or closed with sutures, depending on the extent of the excision and the physician's preference.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the excision of multiple chalazia includes monitoring for any signs of infection, managing pain with prescribed medications, and following up with the physician to assess healing. Patients are typically advised to avoid rubbing or touching the eyelid and to keep the area clean. Cold compresses may be recommended to reduce swelling and discomfort. The expected recovery time can vary, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing responses.

Short Descr REMOVE EYELID LESIONS
Medium Descr EXCISION CHALAZION MULTIPLE SAME LID
Long Descr Excision of chalazion; multiple, same lid
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P4E - Eye procedure - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea
E3 Upper right, eyelid
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.)
E4 Lower right, eyelid
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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).
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).
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.
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.
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
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
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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