2025 CPT code 65210
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Eye and Ocular Adnexa Surgery Feed
Removal of embedded foreign body from the conjunctiva, subconjunctiva, or sclera (non-perforating).
Modifiers such as -50 (bilateral procedure), -25 (significant, separately identifiable E/M service), -RT (right eye), and -LT (left eye) may apply depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a foreign body causing significant discomfort, visual impairment, or risk of infection. Documentation must support the need for removal.
The ophthalmologist or other qualified healthcare professional is responsible for patient preparation (including anesthesia if necessary), careful removal of the foreign body, and post-procedure monitoring for complications.
In simple words: This code covers removing a foreign object stuck in the surface or just under the membrane covering the white part of your eye (conjunctiva or sclera). The object shouldn't have gone through the eye's outer layer. The doctor will clean your eye and carefully take out the object.
This CPT code, 65210, reports the removal of a foreign body embedded in or beneath the conjunctiva, subconjunctiva, or sclera of the eye.The procedure is defined as non-perforating, meaning the foreign body does not penetrate the full thickness of the sclera.The procedure may involve irrigation, inspection, and removal using a cotton-tipped applicator. Removal of conjunctival concretions is included.
Example 1: A patient presents with a small piece of metal embedded in the conjunctiva after a workplace accident.The physician irrigates the eye, identifies the foreign body, and removes it using forceps., A child rubs their eye, resulting in a small piece of sand becoming embedded in the subconjunctiva.The physician removes the sand using a cotton-tipped applicator after appropriate cleaning and inspection., A patient experiences irritation from multiple conjunctival concretions. The physician everts the eyelids and carefully removes the concretions using a sterile instrument.
Complete documentation should include the patient's history, physical examination findings (including location and description of the foreign body), details of the procedure performed, and post-operative instructions.
** This code is for non-perforating foreign bodies.Different codes apply to foreign bodies in the cornea or penetrating the sclera.Always refer to the latest CPT manual for the most up-to-date coding guidelines.
- Revenue Code: P6C (Minor Procedures - Other)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code vary based on geographic location, facility type, and other factors. Consult the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule or other payer-specific fee schedules for current RVU values and reimbursement rates.
- Global Days: Not applicable; this is not a global procedure.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedules are not provided but can be obtained from the AMA or CMS.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center