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Official Description

Insertion of ocular implant secondary; after enucleation, muscles attached to implant

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 65140 refers to the procedure of inserting an ocular implant that is performed after the enucleation of the eye. This procedure is specifically designed for cases where the eye has been removed, and it involves the placement of an ocular implant into the muscle cone, which is the area where the eye muscles are located. The insertion of the implant is a critical step in providing a foundation for the artificial eye, allowing for better cosmetic appearance and potential movement. During this procedure, if the eyelid has been previously closed with sutures, the surgeon will first open the eyelid to inspect the muscle cone. An ocular implant, which is typically made from a porous material such as mesh or biosynthetic substances, is then selected based on the appropriate size for the patient. Unlike the procedure described in CPT® Code 65135, where the implant is not attached to the extraocular muscles, in CPT® Code 65140, the muscles are sutured directly to the implant. This connection is facilitated by the porous nature of the implant, which allows the surrounding tissue to grow into it over time, providing stability and integration within the muscle cone. The successful insertion of the ocular implant is essential for achieving a natural appearance and function for the patient following enucleation.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 65140 is indicated for patients who have undergone enucleation, which is the surgical removal of the eye. The primary indications for this procedure include:

  • Enucleation due to trauma - Patients who have experienced severe eye injuries that necessitate the removal of the eye.
  • Enucleation due to malignancy - Cases where the eye is removed due to cancerous growths or tumors affecting the eye.
  • Enucleation due to severe infection - Situations where an eye is removed to prevent the spread of infection or due to chronic infections that cannot be resolved.
  • Congenital conditions - Patients born with conditions that may lead to the need for enucleation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 65140 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful insertion of the ocular implant:

  • Step 1: Eyelid Opening - If the eyelid has been previously closed with sutures following enucleation, the surgeon will carefully open the eyelid to gain access to the muscle cone. This step is essential for visualizing the area where the implant will be placed.
  • Step 2: Inspection of the Muscle Cone - Once the eyelid is opened, the surgeon inspects the muscle cone to assess the condition of the surrounding tissues and muscles. This inspection is crucial for determining the appropriate size and type of ocular implant to be used.
  • Step 3: Selection of the Ocular Implant - The surgeon selects an appropriately sized ocular implant made from a porous material, such as mesh or biosynthetic material. The choice of implant is based on the individual anatomy and needs of the patient.
  • Step 4: Placement of the Implant - The selected ocular implant is then placed into the muscle cone. This step requires precision to ensure that the implant is positioned correctly within the anatomical space.
  • Step 5: Securing the Muscles to the Implant - In this procedure, the extraocular muscles are sutured to the ocular implant. The sutures are easily placed through the porous material of the implant, allowing for secure attachment. This connection is vital for the future integration of the muscle tissue with the implant.
  • Step 6: Closure - After the implant is secured and the muscles are attached, the surgeon will close the eyelid, ensuring that the area is properly sutured to promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the procedure described by CPT® Code 65140, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve monitoring for any signs of infection or complications. Post-operative care typically includes instructions on how to care for the surgical site, potential use of antibiotic eye drops, and follow-up appointments to assess healing and the integration of the implant. Patients may also receive guidance on managing discomfort and any restrictions on activities during the initial recovery phase. The successful integration of the ocular implant with the surrounding muscle tissue is essential for achieving optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Short Descr ATTACH OCULAR IMPLANT
Medium Descr INSJ OC IMPLT AFTER ENCL MUSC ATTACHED
Long Descr Insertion of ocular implant secondary; after enucleation, muscles attached to implant
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P4E - Eye procedure - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 21 - Other extraocular muscle and orbit therapeutic procedures
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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