NOV 28, 2017
Additional Service for Foreign Body Removal
Question: Our surgeon performed a conjunctival foreign body removal in the ambulatory surgery center. This was previously attempted in the office setting, however the patient passed out. Since the conjunctiva healed over, the surgeon was required to cut that portion out as well as cauterize the area. Can we use another CPT code?
Answer: Unfortunately, CPT code 65210 Removal of foreign body, external eye; conjunctival embedded (includes concretions), subconjunctival, or scleral nonperforating is still correct. Consider using modifier -22 for increased services. Add a brief description of the increased work in box 19 on your claim form. The operative note will likely be requested. Additional payment may or may not be allowed.
Learn more about minor procedures in Ophthalmic Coding: Learn to Code Cornea.