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.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 68362 involves the creation of a total conjunctival flap, which is a surgical technique used primarily for the treatment of corneal ulcers. This procedure is essential in cases where the cornea has sustained significant damage, necessitating a more extensive approach than a partial flap. The conjunctival flap serves to cover the entire cornea, providing a protective layer that promotes healing and restores the integrity of the ocular surface. The term "Gunderson thin flap" is often associated with this technique, indicating a specific method of flap preparation that optimizes the use of conjunctival tissue. The procedure begins with the administration of anesthetic eye drops to ensure patient comfort, followed by the insertion of an eye speculum to maintain an open field for surgery. The surgeon then excises any diseased tissue, evaluates the size and location of the corneal defect, and determines the best configuration for the flap. This meticulous planning is crucial for the success of the procedure, as it ensures that the flap will adequately cover the affected area while preserving its blood supply. The total conjunctival flap is secured to the lower limbal conjunctiva, effectively covering the entire cornea and facilitating the healing process.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The total conjunctival flap procedure (CPT® Code 68362) is indicated for the treatment of corneal ulcers, particularly in cases where the damage to the cornea is extensive and requires a comprehensive surgical approach. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:
The procedure for creating a total conjunctival flap involves several critical steps to ensure successful outcomes. Each step is designed to prepare the conjunctival tissue and facilitate proper healing of the cornea.
After the total conjunctival flap procedure, patients may require specific post-operative care to ensure optimal healing and recovery. This may include the use of antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection, as well as anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort. Patients are typically monitored for signs of complications, such as flap necrosis or infection. Follow-up visits are essential to assess the healing process and the integrity of the flap. The expected recovery time may vary depending on the individual case, but patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities and protect the eye from trauma during the initial healing phase.
| Short Descr | REVISE EYELID LINING | Medium Descr | CONJUNCTIVAL FLAP TOTAL | Long Descr | Conjunctival flap; total (such as Gunderson thin flap or purse string flap) | 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) | P4E - Eye procedure - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea |
| 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). | 55 | Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 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. | 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.) | 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 | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.