Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
A symblepharon is a medical condition characterized by the formation of adhesions or scar tissue that connects the palpebral conjunctiva (the inner lining of the eyelid) to the bulbar conjunctiva (the membrane covering the eyeball). This condition often arises as a result of trauma or infection, leading to various complications. The presence of a symblepharon can significantly impact eye function, as it may restrict eye movement, hinder the eyelids from fully closing or opening, and potentially cause double vision. The procedure described by CPT® Code 68340 involves the surgical repair of a symblepharon through the division of these adhesions. This repair may be performed with or without the insertion of a conformer or contact lens to maintain the separation between the eyelid and the eyeball during the healing process. The use of a conformer or lens is intended to support proper healing by preventing re-adhesion of the conjunctival surfaces. The procedure is crucial for restoring normal eyelid function and improving the patient's quality of life.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 68340 is indicated for patients presenting with a symblepharon, which may result from various underlying conditions. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 68340 involves several critical steps to effectively repair the symblepharon. Each step is designed to ensure the safe release of adhesions and promote healing.
Post-procedure care following the repair of a symblepharon is essential for optimal recovery. Patients may be advised to follow specific instructions regarding eye care, including the use of prescribed medications to manage inflammation and prevent infection. If a conformer or contact lens was inserted, patients should be informed about the timeline for removal and any signs of complications to watch for during the healing process. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing of the conjunctiva and ensure that normal eyelid function is restored. It is important for patients to adhere to all post-operative care instructions to promote successful outcomes and minimize the risk of recurrence.
| Short Descr | SEPARATE EYELID ADHESIONS | Medium Descr | RPR & DIV SYMBLEPHARON W/WO CONFORM/CONTACT LE | Long Descr | Repair of symblepharon; division of symblepharon, with or without insertion of conformer or contact 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) | P4E - Eye procedure - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea |
| 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.) | 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. | 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.) | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | E1 | Upper left, eyelid | E2 | Lower left, eyelid | E3 | Upper right, eyelid | E4 | Lower right, eyelid | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.