2025 CPT code 65205
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Removal of Foreign Body Procedures on the Eyeball Surgery Feed
Removal of a superficial foreign body from the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the eye).
Modifiers may be appropriate depending on the circumstances. For instance, modifier 25 might be used if a significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service is provided on the same day.Other modifiers (e.g., 51 for multiple procedures, 52 for reduced services) may apply.
Removal of foreign bodies from the conjunctiva is medically necessary to alleviate symptoms (e.g., pain, irritation, blurred vision), prevent infection, and avoid potential complications such as corneal abrasion or ulceration. The procedure is considered medically necessary when the foreign body is present and causing symptoms or posing a risk of further harm.
The ophthalmologist or other qualified healthcare professional is responsible for assessing the patient's eye, determining the location and nature of the foreign body, and performing the removal procedure. This may include pre-procedure assessment, appropriate anesthesia (if needed), removal of the foreign body, and post-procedure care and follow-up.
In simple words: The doctor removes a small object from the surface of the eye's outer membrane.This is usually done with an eye wash or a cotton swab.
This CPT code, 65205, describes the surgical removal of a foreign body from the external surface of the conjunctiva, the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the sclera.The procedure typically involves irrigation with sterile saline solution to dislodge and remove the foreign body. If irrigation is insufficient, a cotton swab dipped in sterile saline may be used to gently remove the foreign body.Multiple foreign bodies in the same area of the conjunctiva are coded only once; however, foreign bodies in different areas of the eye (e.g., cornea and conjunctiva) are coded separately.Anesthesia may be used, as needed. The procedure is performed to remove the irritant and prevent complications such as infection or inflammation.
Example 1: A patient presents with a small piece of metal lodged in their right conjunctiva after working with a metal lathe. The physician uses irrigation to remove the foreign body., A child presents with a speck of dust in their left eye, causing irritation.The physician uses a moistened cotton swab to remove the dust particle. , A patient experiences eye irritation after a woodworking accident. Multiple small wood splinters are superficially embedded in the conjunctiva. The physician uses irrigation to flush out the splinters.Only one code 65205 is billed.
** Always ensure proper documentation supports the medical necessity for the procedure. This CPT code is limited to removal of superficial foreign bodies from the conjunctiva. Deeper embedded foreign bodies or those requiring more extensive procedures would require different codes.
- Revenue Code: P6C (MINOR PROCEDURES - OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not available from the provided sources.Consult the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) or your local Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for relative value units and reimbursement information.
- Global Days: Not applicable for this procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Modifier TC (Technical Component) is not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: This information is not available from the provided sources.Consult the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) for historical fee schedule information.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department