NOV 13, 2022
Unable to Implant Intraocular Lens (IOL)
During cataract surgery, the patient's capsule ruptured due to weak zonules. The IOL could not be implanted. What is the best procedure code for this?
Answer: Consider existing CPT code that describes what was accomplished during the procedure. For example:
66840 Removal of lens material; aspiration technique, one or more stages
66850 Removal of lens material; phacofragmentation technique (mechanical or ultrasonic) (e.g., phacoemulsification), with aspiration
66852 Removal of lens material; pars plana approach, with or without vitrectomy
66920 Removal of lens material; intracapsular
66930 Removal of lens material; intracapsular, for dislocated lens
66940 Removal of lens material; extracapsular (other than 66840, 66850, 66852)
Additional coding competency resources can be found in the
Fundamentals of Ophthalmic Coding.