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2025 CPT code 66852

Removal of lens material via pars plana approach, with or without vitrectomy.

Refer to the official CPT manual and any applicable payer-specific guidelines for detailed coding instructions and limitations for 66852.Accurate documentation is crucial for proper reimbursement.The extent of vitrectomy should be carefully considered to avoid inappropriate unbundling.

Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure (e.g., -59 for distinct procedural service, if justified). Consult the current CPT manual and NCCI edits for appropriate modifier usage.

Medical necessity for 66852 is established by the presence of lens material impeding vision or interfering with other ophthalmologic procedures.This is supported by appropriate pre-operative diagnostic imaging and examination findings.In cases of combined procedures, the lens removal must be medically necessary to facilitate the primary procedure.

The ophthalmologist's responsibilities include pre-operative assessment, patient preparation and anesthesia, surgical removal of lens material and vitreous (if necessary) via pars plana approach, wound closure, intraocular pressure restoration, post-operative antibiotic administration, and application of eye patches. Post-operative follow-up care is also part of the clinical responsibility.

IMPORTANT:Code 66850 (Removal of lens material; phacofragmentation technique, mechanical or ultrasonic, e.g., phacoemulsification, with aspiration) may be used in conjunction with vitrectomy procedures, particularly if phacoemulsification is utilized, but this is often bundled and may result in denials if not appropriately modified.Careful consideration of the extent of vitrectomy and lens fragmentation is crucial for accurate code selection.

In simple words: The doctor removes cloudy lens material from the eye through a small incision.Sometimes, extra fluid is also removed. This helps to improve vision.

This CPT code encompasses the surgical removal of lens material through a pars plana approach.The procedure may or may not include a vitrectomy, depending on the clinical circumstances.It involves making an incision in the pars plana region of the eye, accessing and removing the lens material, and potentially removing vitreous humor if necessary. The incision is then closed, intraocular pressure is restored, and post-operative care is administered.

Example 1: A patient presents with a cataract causing significant vision impairment.The ophthalmologist performs a pars plana lensectomy to remove the cataractous lens, with no vitrectomy necessary., During a vitrectomy for a retinal detachment, the surgeon encounters significant lens fragments obstructing visualization of the retina.The lens fragments are removed using a pars plana approach as part of the vitrectomy procedure., A pediatric patient requires cataract removal.Due to the lens's location and the patient's age, a pars plana approach is used for lens removal, with minimal vitreous involvement.

Detailed operative notes describing the surgical approach (pars plana), technique of lens removal, whether a vitrectomy was performed, and the extent of vitreous removal.Pre-operative diagnostic findings supporting the need for lens removal, intraoperative findings, and post-operative course should also be documented.

** The decision to use 66852 versus 66850 should be based on the extent of the vitrectomy.If a significant vitrectomy is performed, 66850 might be more appropriate, and potentially require modifier -59 to unbundle it from the vitrectomy procedure, depending on payer and NCCI guidelines.Always adhere to the latest NCCI edits and payer-specific policies.

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iFrame™ AI's knowledge is aligned with and limited to the materials uploaded by users and should not be interpreted as medical, legal, or any other form of advice by iFrame™.