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Official Description

Discission of vitreous strands (without removal), pars plana approach

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67030 involves the dissection of vitreous strands using a pars plana approach, which is a surgical technique employed in ophthalmology. Vitreous strands are fibrous structures within the vitreous humor of the eye that can become trapped or incarcerated in a corneoscleral wound or incision, often as a result of surgical intervention or trauma to the eye. This entrapment can lead to complications such as cystoid macular edema, which is a condition characterized by swelling in the central part of the retina, potentially resulting in significant loss of vision. Additionally, patients may experience the presence of 'floaters,' which are dark shadowy areas that can obstruct the visual field. During the procedure, the patient is positioned supine, and the eye is prepared for surgery. An incision is made at the anterior limbal region, specifically at the pars plana, allowing access to the anterior chamber of the eye. A specialized instrument known as a cyclodialysis spatula is then utilized to sweep the area, effectively maneuvering the vitreous strands back into the posterior segment of the eye. Following the dissection, the incision is meticulously closed using a 10-0 suture, ensuring proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications. This procedure is critical for restoring normal anatomical relationships within the eye and preventing further visual impairment.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Indications for the procedure described by CPT® Code 67030 include the following conditions:

  • Incarcerated Vitreous Strands - This condition occurs when vitreous strands become trapped in a corneoscleral wound or incision, which can happen after surgical procedures or trauma to the eye.
  • Cystoid Macular Edema - A complication that may arise from the entrapment of vitreous strands, leading to swelling in the central retina and potential vision loss.
  • Floaters - Patients may experience dark shadowy areas in their visual field due to the presence of vitreous strands, which can be bothersome and affect visual clarity.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 67030 involves several critical steps to effectively address the issue of incarcerated vitreous strands:

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning and Preparation - The patient is positioned supine to provide optimal access to the eye. The surgical site is then prepared to ensure a sterile environment, which is essential for preventing infection during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision Creation - An incision is made at the anterior limbal region, specifically at the pars plana. This incision allows the surgeon to access the anterior chamber of the eye, where the vitreous strands are located.
  • Step 3: Sweeping the Area - Using a cyclodialysis spatula, the surgeon sweeps the area to manipulate the vitreous strands. This instrument is designed to effectively pull the strands back into the posterior segment of the eye, thereby alleviating the entrapment.
  • Step 4: Closing the Incision - After the vitreous strands have been successfully repositioned, the incision is closed using a 10-0 suture. This fine suture material is chosen to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues and promote optimal healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the dissection of vitreous strands is crucial for ensuring proper recovery. Patients may be monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or increased intraocular pressure. It is important to follow up with the patient to assess visual outcomes and ensure that the vitreous strands remain properly positioned. Patients may also receive instructions regarding activity restrictions and the use of prescribed medications, such as anti-inflammatory drops, to aid in the healing process. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to evaluate the success of the procedure and to address any ongoing visual concerns.

Short Descr INCISE INNER EYE STRANDS
Medium Descr DISCISSION VITREOUS STRANS PARS PLANA APPROACH
Long Descr Discission of vitreous strands (without removal), pars plana approach
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 20 - Other intraocular therapeutic procedures
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.
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.)
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)
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