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Official Description

Temporary closure of eyelids by suture (eg, Frost suture)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67875 involves the temporary closure of the eyelids using sutures, commonly referred to as a Frost suture. This technique is typically employed following an injury to the eye area, where protecting the eye is crucial for healing. The process entails suturing the upper and lower eyelids together, which is achieved by placing sutures through the margins of both eyelids. Once the sutures are in place, they are tied securely to ensure that the eyelids remain closed, thereby providing a protective barrier for the eye. Alternatively, the Frost suture technique specifically involves passing sutures through the lower eyelid only. In this method, tension is applied to the suture ends to effectively close the lower lid, and the ends of the suture material are then taped to the forehead to maintain the closure. This temporary closure is essential for safeguarding the eye from further injury and facilitating the healing process.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 67875 is indicated for specific conditions and situations where protection of the eye is necessary. The following are the primary indications for performing this procedure:

  • Eye Injury The procedure is commonly performed following an injury to the eye, where the eyelids need to be closed to protect the eye from exposure and further damage.
  • Post-Surgical Care It may also be indicated after certain ocular surgeries to ensure that the eyelids remain closed during the initial healing phase.
  • Corneal Ulceration In cases of corneal ulceration, temporary closure can help in the healing process by reducing exposure to environmental factors.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 67875 involves several key steps to ensure the effective temporary closure of the eyelids. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation The area around the eyelids is prepared, ensuring that it is clean and free from any contaminants. This may involve the use of antiseptic solutions to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 2: Suturing the Eyelids Sutures are placed through the margins of both the upper and lower eyelids. The sutures are carefully threaded to ensure that they penetrate the eyelid tissue without causing unnecessary trauma. Once the sutures are in place, they are tied securely to keep the eyelids closed.
  • Step 3: Frost Suture Technique In the case of the Frost suture, the procedure involves passing sutures through the lower eyelid only. Tension is applied to the suture ends to effectively close the lower lid. The ends of the suture material are then secured with tape to the forehead, ensuring that the eyelid remains closed during the healing process.
  • Step 4: Final Assessment After the suturing is completed, the physician assesses the closure to ensure that it is secure and that the eyelids are adequately protecting the eye. Any necessary adjustments are made at this stage.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure, patients are typically monitored to ensure that the eyelids remain closed and that there are no signs of complications such as infection or excessive swelling. Instructions for care may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding any manipulation of the sutures, and attending follow-up appointments to assess healing. The duration of the temporary closure will depend on the specific circumstances of the injury or condition being treated, and the physician will provide guidance on when the sutures can be safely removed.

Short Descr CLOSURE OF EYELID BY SUTURE
Medium Descr TEMPORARY CLOSURE EYELIDS SUTURE
Long Descr Temporary closure of eyelids by suture (eg, Frost suture)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or 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) 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 Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea
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).
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)
E2 Lower left, eyelid
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).
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.
E4 Lower right, eyelid
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
UD Medicaid level of care 13, as defined by each state
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
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Notes
1991-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1991.
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