2025 CPT code 68135
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Eye and Ocular Adnexa Feed
Destruction of lesion, conjunctiva.
Modifiers may be applicable to 68135.Modifier 59 may be used to indicate a distinct procedural service.Modifiers for laterality (RT/LT) can be appended.
Medical necessity for 68135 is established by documenting the symptoms caused by the lesion, such as pain, irritation, visual impairment, or cosmetic concerns. The documentation should also support the chosen method of destruction as the most appropriate for the specific lesion.
The ophthalmologist is responsible for the entire procedure, from prepping the patient to destroying the lesion. They select the appropriate destruction method based on the lesion's characteristics and the patient's condition.
In simple words: This procedure removes a harmful growth from the surface of your eye. The doctor uses tools to numb your eye and keep it open, then carefully destroys the growth using techniques like freezing, burning, chemicals, or a laser.This helps relieve discomfort and protect your eyesight.
This code describes the destruction of a lesion on the conjunctiva using methods like electrocautery, cryotherapy, chemicals, or laser. It is performed to alleviate pain, pressure, and improve vision.The procedure involves prepping and anesthetizing the patient, placing a lid speculum, inserting a traction suture, using a corneal light shield, marking the lesion, and then destroying it using the chosen method.
Example 1: A patient presents with a pterygium, a fleshy growth on the conjunctiva, causing irritation and blurry vision. The ophthalmologist uses CPT code 68135 to describe the destruction of the pterygium with cryotherapy., A patient has a small, benign conjunctival nevus causing discomfort. The ophthalmologist performs laser destruction of the nevus, and this procedure is coded as 68135., A patient with a history of squamous cell carcinoma has a suspicious lesion on the conjunctiva. After careful examination, it's determined to be precancerous and destroyed using chemical cautery. This is reported using code 68135.
Documentation should include the type and size of the lesion, the method of destruction, the location on the conjunctiva, the anesthesia used, and any complications encountered. Pre- and post-operative photographs may also be beneficial.
** The choice between destruction (68135) and excision (68110-68130) depends on the nature of the lesion and the clinical judgment of the ophthalmologist.Destruction is typically chosen for smaller lesions or those amenable to techniques like cryotherapy or laser, while excision is preferred for larger lesions or those requiring biopsy.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient Department, Physician's Office