2025 CPT code 66988
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Intraocular Lens Procedures Surgery—Eye and Ocular Adnexa Feed
Extracapsular cataract removal with intraocular lens insertion; manual or mechanical technique, with endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the surgery and billing considerations.Consult the CPT manual and payer guidelines.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a cataract impairing vision and the need for IOL implantation to restore vision.The addition of endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation is medically necessary for patients with glaucoma or elevated intraocular pressure to reduce intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss.
The ophthalmologist performs the entire procedure, including preparation, incision, cataract removal (using either manual or mechanical techniques), insertion of the IOL, and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation if indicated.
- Surgery—Eye and Ocular Adnexa
- Surgery > Surgical Procedures on the Eye and Ocular Adnexa > Intraocular Lens Procedures
In simple words: This code describes a cataract surgery where the cloudy lens in the eye is removed, and an artificial lens is inserted.A special laser is also used to treat glaucoma.
This CPT code 66988 encompasses the surgical procedure involving the removal of an extracapsular cataract and the subsequent insertion of an intraocular lens prosthesis.The cataract removal may be performed using either manual or mechanical techniques, such as irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification. This procedure is distinct in that it includes endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation, a laser procedure used to treat glaucoma by targeting the ciliary processes.
Example 1: A 70-year-old patient presents with a cataract and glaucoma. The ophthalmologist performs an extracapsular cataract extraction with IOL implantation and endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation to address both conditions simultaneously., A 65-year-old patient with a dense cataract undergoes phacoemulsification for cataract removal, followed by IOL implantation.Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation is included due to co-existing glaucoma., An 80-year-old patient with a mature cataract requiring extracapsular cataract extraction and IOL implantation.Endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation is performed to lower elevated intraocular pressure.
Preoperative assessment including visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and gonioscopy.Detailed operative report documenting the surgical technique (manual or mechanical),type of IOL used, and parameters of the endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation. Postoperative examination notes, including visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements.
** The choice between manual and mechanical techniques (irrigation and aspiration or phacoemulsification) for cataract extraction will depend on the individual patient's condition and the surgeon's preference.Always refer to the most current CPT manual for the latest coding guidelines and updates.
- Revenue Code: P4B (EYE PROCEDURE - CATARACT REMOVAL/LENS INSERTION)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The TC modifier may apply based on the specific services performed by the surgeon versus the assisting personnel.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office, Inpatient Hospital