Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Insertion of anterior segment aqueous drainage device into the trabecular meshwork, without external reservoir, and without concomitant cataract removal, one or more

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 0671T refers to the procedure involving the insertion of an anterior segment aqueous drainage device into the trabecular meshwork. This procedure is specifically designed for the treatment of chronic or progressive open-angle glaucoma. The term "anterior segment" indicates that the procedure is performed on the front part of the eye, which includes the cornea, iris, and lens. The aqueous drainage device is a specialized implant that helps to facilitate the drainage of aqueous humor, the fluid within the eye, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. This is crucial in managing glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss if not properly treated. The procedure is performed without the use of an external reservoir, meaning that the drainage device operates internally within the eye. Importantly, this procedure is conducted without concomitant cataract removal, indicating that it can be performed independently of any cataract surgery. The technique involves making a small, self-sealing incision in the cornea, which minimizes trauma and promotes quicker recovery. A gonioscope, a type of magnification lens, is utilized to accurately position the drainage device at the angle of the anterior chamber, ensuring optimal placement for effective drainage. The self-sealing nature of the incision means that sutures are not required, further enhancing the procedure's efficiency and patient comfort.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 0671T is indicated for the treatment of chronic or progressive open-angle glaucoma. This condition is characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure due to impaired drainage of aqueous humor, which can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss if left untreated. The insertion of an anterior segment aqueous drainage device is specifically aimed at improving the outflow of aqueous humor, thereby reducing intraocular pressure and managing the symptoms associated with glaucoma.

  • Chronic Open-Angle Glaucoma A condition where the drainage canals of the eye become less effective over time, leading to increased intraocular pressure.
  • Progressive Open-Angle Glaucoma A form of glaucoma that worsens over time, necessitating intervention to prevent further vision loss.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the insertion of an anterior segment aqueous drainage device involves several key steps that ensure proper placement and functionality of the device.

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, and the eye is prepared for surgery. Anesthesia is administered to ensure that the patient does not experience discomfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision A small, self-sealing incision is made in the cornea. This incision is designed to be minimal in size, allowing for quick healing and reducing the need for sutures.
  • Step 3: Accessing the Anterior Chamber The incision is deepened carefully to access the anterior chamber of the eye. This step is crucial as it allows the surgeon to reach the area where the drainage device will be placed.
  • Step 4: Device Placement A gonioscope, which is a specialized magnification lens, is used to visualize the angle of the anterior chamber. The drainage device is then positioned accurately at this angle, ensuring that it is correctly placed within the trabecular meshwork.
  • Step 5: Finalizing the Procedure The terminal end of the drainage device is positioned in the trabecular meshwork, facilitating the drainage of aqueous humor. Due to the small size of the incision, it is not necessary to close it, as it will self-seal effectively.

3. Post-Procedure

After the insertion of the anterior segment aqueous drainage device, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include the use of prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and manage inflammation. Patients are advised to follow up with their ophthalmologist to assess the effectiveness of the device and monitor intraocular pressure. Recovery is generally swift due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, and patients can expect to resume normal activities relatively quickly, although specific instructions regarding activity restrictions may be provided by the healthcare provider.

Short Descr INSJ ANT SGM AQ DRG DEV 1+
Medium Descr INSJ ANT SGM DRG DEV TRAB MW W/O RES&CTRC RMVL1+
Long Descr Insertion of anterior segment aqueous drainage device into the trabecular meshwork, without external reservoir, and without concomitant cataract removal, one or more
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
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)
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).
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.
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.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
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).
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2022-01-01 Added Code added
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"