2025 CPT code 67715
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Eye and Ocular Adnexa Surgery Feed
Canthotomy (separate procedure);incision of the canthus to relieve intraocular pressure.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the procedure, such as 50 (bilateral procedure) or 59 (distinct procedural service).Consult the CPT manual for additional guidelines.
Medical necessity for a canthotomy is established by the presence of acutely elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) threatening vision.The procedure is considered medically necessary when other methods of IOP reduction are not immediately effective and the increased IOP is a direct threat to vision. Documentation must support the need for the procedure.
The ophthalmologist or qualified surgeon is responsible for performing the canthotomy, including pre-operative preparation, the incision, and post-operative care.
In simple words: A canthotomy is a surgical cut made at the outer corner of the eye to lower the pressure inside the eye. This helps prevent vision loss.The doctor makes a small cut to separate the upper and lower eyelids.It's a separate procedure and shouldn't be billed if done as part of a bigger operation.
Canthotomy is a surgical procedure involving an incision at the lateral canthus (outer corner of the eye) to alleviate elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).This is performed to prevent vision loss and maintain IOP. The procedure involves prepping and anesthetizing the patient, then making an incision at the outer corner of the eye using scissors to divide the upper and lower eyelids, extending the division.It is considered a separate procedure and should not be reported with other related services, such as canthoplasty (67950) or division of symblepharon (68340).The use of an operating microscope is included in this code.
Example 1: A patient presents with acute angle-closure glaucoma with severely elevated intraocular pressure.A canthotomy is performed as an emergency procedure to relieve pressure and prevent permanent vision loss., A patient sustains a significant orbital trauma resulting in increased intraocular pressure. A canthotomy is performed as part of the emergent trauma management to address the elevated IOP and allow for further surgical intervention., A patient with severe orbital cellulitis causing increased intraocular pressure undergoes a canthotomy to lower the pressure and facilitate drainage. This might be followed by other treatment for the underlying infection.
* Detailed history and physical examination, including visual acuity measurements.* Documentation of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements before and after the procedure.* Operative report detailing the technique and findings of the canthotomy.* Post-operative visual acuity measurements and IOP readings.* Any complications encountered during or after the procedure.
** Cantholysis (incision of the lateral canthal tendon) is a related but distinct procedure.This code is for canthotomy only.Refer to additional coding guidelines for specific scenarios.
- Revenue Code: P4E (EYE PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Emergency Room - Hospital