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Official Description

Release of encircling material (posterior segment)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67115 refers to the release of encircling material, specifically in the context of the posterior segment of the eye. This procedure is commonly associated with the management of complications arising from a scleral buckle, which is a type of encircling material used to support the eye and treat conditions such as retinal detachment. The release of this material is typically indicated when there is an infection or when the buckle has intruded into the scleral tissue, potentially causing further complications. During the procedure, a lid speculum is utilized to hold the eyelids open, providing the surgeon with a clear view of the eye. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort throughout the process. The surgical approach involves detaching one of the rectus muscles to gain access to the sclera, where the encircling material is located. The surgeon then carefully cuts and removes the encircling material. In cases where the implant has become embedded within the scleral tissue, specialized instruments such as a fragmatome may be employed to break up and aspirate the pieces of the device. Finally, the rectus muscle is reattached to restore normal anatomical positioning. This procedure is critical for addressing complications associated with scleral buckles and ensuring the health and function of the eye.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The release of encircling material (scleral buckle) is performed under specific clinical circumstances. The primary indications for this procedure include:

  • Infection The presence of an infection related to the scleral buckle necessitates its removal to prevent further complications and promote healing.
  • Intrusion into Scleral Tissue When the encircling material has intruded into the scleral tissue, it can cause discomfort and potential damage to the eye, requiring surgical intervention to remove the embedded material.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the release of encircling material involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the safe and effective removal of the scleral buckle. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Lid Speculum Application A lid speculum is carefully placed to hold the eyelids open, providing the surgeon with unobstructed access to the eye. This step is essential for maintaining visibility and facilitating the surgical process.
  • Step 2: Administration of Local Anesthesia Local anesthesia is administered to the patient to ensure comfort during the procedure. This allows the patient to remain awake while minimizing pain and discomfort associated with the surgical manipulation of the eye.
  • Step 3: Detachment of Rectus Muscle One of the rectus muscles, which are responsible for eye movement, is detached to gain access to the sclera. This step is crucial for allowing the surgeon to reach the encircling material without causing damage to surrounding structures.
  • Step 4: Cutting and Removal of Encircling Material The encircling material is then cut and removed from the sclera. This step requires precision to ensure that all components of the buckle are adequately extracted without leaving any remnants that could lead to complications.
  • Step 5: Removal of Intruded Material If the encircling material has intruded into the scleral tissue, a device such as a fragmatome is utilized. This instrument breaks up and aspirates the pieces of the device that have become embedded, ensuring complete removal and minimizing trauma to the scleral tissue.
  • Step 6: Reattachment of Rectus Muscle After the encircling material has been successfully removed, the detached rectus muscle is reattached to its original position. This step is vital for restoring normal eye movement and maintaining the structural integrity of the eye.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the release of encircling material is essential for ensuring proper recovery and monitoring for any complications. Patients are typically advised to follow specific instructions regarding activity restrictions, medication use, and follow-up appointments. It is important to monitor for signs of infection or other complications in the days following the procedure. Patients may experience some discomfort or swelling, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Regular follow-up visits are necessary to assess the healing process and ensure that the eye is recovering appropriately.

Short Descr RELEASE ENCIRCLING MATERIAL
Medium Descr RELEASE ENCIRCLING MATERIAL POSTERIOR SEGMENT
Long Descr Release of encircling material (posterior segment)
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 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).
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).
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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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