© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 0207T involves the evacuation of meibomian glands, which are specialized glands located in the eyelids. These glands play a crucial role in the eye's health by secreting the lipid layer of the tear film, which is essential for preventing the rapid evaporation of tears. When the meibomian glands become dysfunctional, often due to blockage or thickening of the meibum, it can lead to symptoms of dry eye, even in patients who may produce an adequate volume of tears. The procedure utilizes an automated device that applies heat and intermittent pressure to the eyelid on one side (unilateral) to alleviate the obstruction of these glands. The device is designed with a compress and a sealed container that houses a heat source, which generates heat through an exothermic reaction. During the procedure, the compress is placed on the eye, and heat is applied for a specific duration to effectively melt and liquefy the thickened lipid secretions. Following this heating phase, the device then applies intermittent pressure to the eyelids, facilitating the expression of the now liquefied lipid secretions from the meibomian glands, thereby improving gland function and alleviating dry eye symptoms.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The evacuation of meibomian glands using automated heat and intermittent pressure is indicated for patients experiencing symptoms related to meibomian gland dysfunction. This includes conditions where there is a blockage or thickening of the meibum, leading to inadequate lipid secretion and resultant dry eye symptoms. The procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have sufficient tear production but still suffer from dry eye due to the compromised lipid layer of the tear film.
The procedure for the evacuation of meibomian glands involves several key steps that ensure effective treatment. First, the patient is positioned comfortably, and the automated device is prepared for use. The device consists of a compress that is placed over the eyelid, which is connected to a sealed container containing a heat source. The heat source is activated, initiating an exothermic reaction that generates heat. This heat is applied to the eyelid for a predetermined duration, allowing it to penetrate and warm the meibomian glands. The purpose of this heating phase is to melt and liquefy the thickened lipid secretions within the glands. Once the heating phase is complete, the device transitions to the next step, which involves the application of intermittent pressure to the eyelids. This pressure is crucial as it helps to express the now liquefied lipid secretions from the meibomian glands, thereby relieving the obstruction and restoring normal gland function.
After the evacuation of the meibomian glands, patients may experience immediate relief from dry eye symptoms. It is important to monitor the patient for any signs of discomfort or adverse reactions following the procedure. Patients are typically advised to avoid rubbing their eyes and to follow any specific post-procedure care instructions provided by the healthcare professional. Additionally, follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and to determine if further treatment is necessary to maintain optimal eye health.
| Short Descr | CLEAR EYELID GLAND W/HEAT | Medium Descr | EVAC MEIBOMIAN GLNDS AUTO HT& INTMT PRESS UNI | Long Descr | Evacuation of meibomian glands, automated, using heat and intermittent pressure, unilateral | Status Code | Carriers Price the Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No 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) | 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 | STV-Packaged Codes | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | M5D - Specialist - other | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea |
| RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | 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. | 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). | 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. | 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.) | E1 | Upper left, eyelid | E2 | Lower left, eyelid | E3 | Upper right, eyelid | E4 | Lower right, eyelid | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | PD | Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days |
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| 2010-01-01 | Added | - |
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