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Official Description

Reinsertion of ocular implant; with use of foreign material for reinforcement and/or attachment of muscles to implant

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 65155 involves the reinsertion of an ocular implant, which is a medical device used to replace the volume of the eye following surgical procedures such as evisceration or enucleation. In this context, the scleral shell or muscle cone, which is the outer layer of the eye or the area where the eye muscles attach, is surgically exposed to allow for the reintroduction of the ocular implant. This procedure is particularly relevant for patients who have undergone previous eye surgeries that may have compromised the integrity of the eye structure. The use of foreign material, such as synthetic pegs or mesh, is a critical aspect of this procedure, as it provides reinforcement and facilitates the attachment of extraocular muscles to the implant. This ensures that the implant is securely positioned and that the muscles can function properly, which is essential for maintaining eye movement and alignment. The technique may also involve additional methods, such as the application of a conjunctival graft, to enhance the stability and coverage of the implant, particularly in cases following enucleation. Overall, this procedure aims to restore both the anatomical and functional aspects of the eye following significant surgical interventions.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 65155 is indicated for patients who have undergone previous eye surgeries, specifically evisceration or enucleation, and require the reinsertion of an ocular implant. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Evisceration - A surgical procedure where the contents of the eye are removed, leaving the scleral shell intact, necessitating the reinsertion of an ocular implant to restore volume.
  • Enucleation - The complete removal of the eye, which requires an ocular implant to replace the removed structure and maintain the cosmetic appearance of the eye socket.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 65155 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful reinsertion of the ocular implant. Each step is designed to address the specific needs of the patient and the condition of the eye.

  • Step 1: Exposure of the Scleral Shell or Muscle Cone - The first step involves making an incision to expose the scleral shell or muscle cone. This is essential for accessing the area where the ocular implant will be reinserted. The surgeon carefully dissects the surrounding tissues to ensure a clear view and access to the implant site.
  • Step 2: Reinsertion of the Ocular Implant - Once the scleral shell or muscle cone is adequately exposed, the ocular implant is reinserted into the designated area. This step requires precision to ensure that the implant is positioned correctly within the eye socket, allowing for optimal integration with the surrounding tissues.
  • Step 3: Use of Foreign Material for Reinforcement - In this procedure, synthetic materials such as pegs or mesh are utilized to secure the implant. These materials provide additional support and stability, ensuring that the implant remains in place and can effectively attach to the extraocular muscles. This step is crucial for maintaining the functionality of the eye post-surgery.
  • Step 4: Attachment of Extraocular Muscles - The final step involves attaching the extraocular muscles to the ocular implant. This is vital for restoring eye movement and alignment, as the muscles need to be properly connected to the implant to function effectively. The surgeon ensures that the muscles are securely fastened, allowing for normal ocular motility.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure, patients may require specific post-operative care to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include monitoring for any signs of infection, managing pain, and ensuring that the ocular implant remains stable. Patients are typically advised to follow up with their healthcare provider for regular assessments to evaluate the integration of the implant and the function of the extraocular muscles. Additionally, instructions regarding activity restrictions and the use of medications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, may be provided to support the healing process and prevent complications.

Short Descr REINSERT OCULAR IMPLANT
Medium Descr REINSERTION OCULAR IMPLT RNFCMT &/ ATTACH MUSCLE
Long Descr Reinsertion of ocular implant; with use of foreign material for reinforcement and/or attachment of muscles 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).
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.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
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)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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