2025 CPT code 66175
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Ophthalmology - Surgical Procedures on the Anterior Segment of the Eye Surgery Feed
Transluminal dilation of the aqueous outflow canal with retention of a device or stent.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., bilateral procedure, anesthesia provided by another physician, etc.). Consult the CPT manual for a complete list of applicable modifiers.
Medical necessity for 66175 is established by the presence of elevated intraocular pressure not adequately controlled with medical therapy, and documentation showing risk/benefit analysis considering alternative treatments.
The ophthalmologist performs the procedure after appropriate patient preparation and anesthesia. This involves making an incision, creating a scleral flap, accessing Schlemm's canal, dilating the canal, inserting a device or stent, and closing the incision.
- Surgery
- Surgical Procedures on the Eye and Ocular Adnexa > Surgical Procedures on the Anterior Segment of the Eye > Procedures on the Anterior Sclera of the Eye > Excision Procedures on the Anterior Sclera of the Eye
In simple words: The doctor widens the eye's drainage canal to lower eye pressure. A tiny tube or device is inserted to help with drainage and is left in the eye.
This procedure involves expanding the aqueous outflow canal (Schlemm's canal) of the eye to reduce intraocular pressure.A microcatheter or tube is used to place a suture or inject a solution to enlarge the canal. A device or stent is left in place to assist drainage. The procedure may be performed as canaloplasty, where a suture is placed around the full circle of the canal, or through other methods of dilation.A subconjunctival incision is made, a scleral flap created, and the canal accessed and dilated. The flaps are then closed.
Example 1: A patient with open-angle glaucoma undergoes canaloplasty with stent placement to improve aqueous humor outflow and lower intraocular pressure., A patient with elevated intraocular pressure and failed medical management is a candidate for 66175 to improve drainage., In a patient with neovascular glaucoma, 66175 might be considered after assessing the patient's overall health and risk factors for complications.
Preoperative evaluation including visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurements, gonioscopy, and assessment of the outflow pathway. Intraoperative documentation should detail the surgical technique (e.g., canaloplasty), stent type and placement, and any complications. Postoperative documentation needs visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurements, and follow-up visits.Complete medical history and relevant imaging (OCT, etc.)
** The choice between 66174 and 66175 depends entirely on whether a device or stent is left in place post-procedure.Accurate documentation is critical for appropriate code selection and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P4E (EYE PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital, Office