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Official Description

Repair of retinal detachment; by injection of air or other gas (eg, pneumatic retinopexy)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Retinal detachment is a serious medical condition that occurs when the retina, a thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye, separates from its normal position. This separation can lead to significant vision problems, including blurred vision, and if not treated promptly, it may result in permanent blindness. The procedure described by CPT® Code 67110 involves the repair of retinal detachment through a technique known as pneumatic retinopexy. This method utilizes the injection of air or another gas into the vitreous cavity of the eye to help reattach the retina to the underlying choroid layer. During the procedure, a lid speculum is employed to keep the eyelids open, allowing for better access to the eye. A local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort for the patient. The process includes puncturing the sclera, which is the white outer coating of the eyeball, and advancing a needle into the vitreous cavity to inject a gas bubble. This gas bubble is strategically positioned to push the detached retina back into place against the choroid. Additionally, to ensure the effectiveness of the repair, laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy may be performed to seal the area of detachment. Post-procedure, the patient is often required to maintain a specific head position for several weeks to facilitate the healing process and ensure the retina remains properly attached.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67110 is indicated for the treatment of retinal detachment, which may present with various symptoms and conditions. The following are explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Retinal Detachment The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of a retinal detachment, where the retina has separated from its normal position.
  • Blurred Vision Patients may experience blurred vision as a symptom of retinal detachment, prompting the need for intervention.
  • Risk of Blindness If left untreated, retinal detachment can lead to permanent blindness, making timely repair essential.

2. Procedure

The procedure for repairing retinal detachment via pneumatic retinopexy involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the successful reattachment of the retina. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned comfortably, and a lid speculum is used to hold the eyelids open, providing clear access to the eye. A local anesthetic is administered to ensure the patient remains comfortable throughout the procedure.
  • Step 2: Scleral Puncture A needle is carefully advanced into the vitreous cavity after puncturing the sclera, which is the outer layer of the eye. This step is crucial for accessing the vitreous cavity where the gas will be injected.
  • Step 3: Gas Injection A gas bubble is injected into the vitreous cavity at the site of the retinal detachment. The type of gas used may vary, but it is essential for creating the necessary pressure to push the retina back into its proper position.
  • Step 4: Positioning After the gas bubble is injected, the patient's head is positioned in such a way that the gas bubble moves toward the area of detachment. This positioning is vital for the success of the procedure, as it helps to facilitate the reattachment of the retina.
  • Step 5: Additional Treatments To further secure the retina, laser photocoagulation or cryotherapy may be performed. These techniques help to seal the area of detachment, ensuring that the retina remains attached to the choroid.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the pneumatic retinopexy procedure, patients are typically advised to maintain a specific head position for several weeks. This positioning is crucial as it allows the gas bubble to exert pressure on the detached retina, promoting its reattachment to the choroid. Patients may also be monitored for any complications or changes in vision during the recovery period. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to ensure optimal healing and recovery.

Short Descr REPAIR DETACHED RETINA
Medium Descr RPR RETINAL DTCHMNT INJECTION AIR/OTHER GAS
Long Descr Repair of retinal detachment; by injection of air or other gas (eg, pneumatic retinopexy)
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) 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 Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P4C - Eye procedure - retinal detachment
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 16 - Repair of retinal tear, detachment
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.)
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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.
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
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
X2 Continuous/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians whose expertise is needed for the ongoing management of a chronic disease or a condition that needs to be managed and followed with no planned endpoint to the relationship; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to: a rheumatologist taking care of the patient's rheumatoid arthritis longitudinally but not providing general primary care services
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
1991-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1991.
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