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Extensive or progressive retinopathy, particularly diabetic retinopathy, is a serious eye condition characterized by damage to the retinal blood vessels. This damage can lead to swelling, leakage of blood, and the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels on the retina's surface. The CPT® Code 67227 refers to the procedure for the destruction of this extensive or progressive retinopathy using two primary methods: cryotherapy and diathermy. Cryotherapy involves the application of extreme cold to freeze the affected areas, while diathermy utilizes extreme heat to achieve the same goal. Both techniques aim to eliminate the damaged blood vessels that contribute to the progression of the disease. Prior to the procedure, visual acuity is assessed, and the pupil is dilated to allow for better visualization of the retina. A local anesthetic is administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure. The application of either the cryoprobe or diathermy probe is performed on the eye's surface, specifically targeting the peripheral retina where the damaged blood vessels are located. This targeted destruction helps to prevent further complications associated with diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, an alternative treatment option for retinopathy is photocoagulation, which is described under CPT® Code 67228. This method involves the use of laser technology to create burns in the retina, effectively sealing leaking vessels and preventing the formation of new ones. The procedure can be performed using different delivery systems, such as a slit lamp or an indirect delivery system, ensuring that the treatment is tailored to the patient's specific needs.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 67227 is indicated for the treatment of extensive or progressive retinopathy, particularly in cases of diabetic retinopathy. This condition is characterized by the following:
The procedure for the destruction of extensive or progressive retinopathy using CPT® Code 67227 involves several critical steps:
After the procedure, patients may experience some temporary discomfort or visual disturbances as the eye begins to heal. It is important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and to assess any potential complications. Recovery time may vary, and patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and protect their eyes from bright light during the initial healing phase. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure that the retinopathy is being effectively managed and to determine if additional treatments are necessary.
| Short Descr | DSTRJ EXTENSIVE RETINOPATHY | Medium Descr | DESTRUCTION RETINOPATHY CRYOTHERAPY DIATHERMY | Long Descr | Destruction of extensive or progressive retinopathy (eg, diabetic retinopathy), cryotherapy, diathermy | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 010 - Minor Procedure | 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) | P4D - Eye procedure - treatment of retinal lesions | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 17 - Destruction of lesion of retina and choroid |
| 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). | 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.) | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
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| 2016-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed |
| 2008-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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