You Be the Coder: Graft Revision

Question: After a pterygium removal, the patient's conjunctival allograft dislocated. The ophthalmologist repositioned and sutured the conjunctival graft. Should I use 66250? Do I need a post-op modifier?

Florida Subscriber

Answer: Yes, CPT® code 66250 (Revision or repair of operative wound of anterior segment, any type, early or late, major or minor procedure) describes the repair the ophthalmologist performed. If the service occurs at the same surgical session as the pterygium removal, you won't need a modifier, because 66250 is not bundled into the pterygium removal code. If the ophthalmologist feels that his work was more extensive than 66250 describes, you could [...]

- Published on 2012-01-09