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Official Description

Removal of ocular implant

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 65175 involves the removal of an ocular implant, which is a medical device placed within the eye socket, typically following surgical procedures such as evisceration or enucleation. Evisceration refers to the removal of the eye's contents while leaving the sclera (the white outer layer of the eyeball) intact, whereas enucleation involves the complete removal of the eye itself. In cases where a patient has undergone evisceration, the procedure begins with the exposure of the ocular implant, which may be covered by a scleral shell. This shell is carefully opened to access the implant. The surgeon then meticulously dissects the ocular implant free from the surrounding sclera to facilitate its removal. Conversely, if the patient has previously undergone enucleation, the procedure requires the removal of any overlying tissue or synthetic grafts that may be present before the ocular implant can be dissected free from the surrounding tissue and subsequently removed. This procedure is critical for patients who may require replacement of the ocular implant or are experiencing complications related to the implant itself.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The removal of an ocular implant, as described by CPT® Code 65175, is indicated in specific clinical scenarios. These indications may include:

  • Complications from the ocular implant The patient may experience issues such as infection, discomfort, or implant failure that necessitate removal.
  • Replacement of the ocular implant Patients may require a new implant due to changes in their condition or the need for an updated prosthetic device.
  • Previous surgical procedures The procedure is indicated for patients who have undergone evisceration or enucleation and require the removal of the existing ocular implant for any reason.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the removal of an ocular implant involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Exposure of the ocular implant The surgeon begins by carefully exposing the ocular implant, ensuring that the surrounding tissues are adequately managed to prevent unnecessary trauma.
  • Step 2: Opening of the scleral shell (if applicable) In cases where the patient has had a previous evisceration, the scleral shell that covers the anterior aspect of the implant is opened. This step is crucial for accessing the implant without causing damage to the surrounding structures.
  • Step 3: Dissection of the ocular implant The surgeon then meticulously dissects the ocular implant free from the sclera or any surrounding tissue. This dissection must be performed with precision to avoid complications and ensure a smooth removal process.
  • Step 4: Removal of overlying tissue or synthetic grafts (if applicable) For patients who have undergone enucleation, any overlying tissue or synthetic grafts must be removed prior to the dissection of the ocular implant. This step is essential to ensure that the implant can be safely extracted.
  • Step 5: Final removal of the ocular implant Once the ocular implant is adequately dissected from the surrounding tissues, it is carefully removed from the eye socket, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the removal of the ocular implant, patients may require specific post-procedure care to ensure proper healing and recovery. This may include monitoring for any signs of infection, managing pain, and following up with the healthcare provider for further evaluation. Patients may also need to discuss options for replacement implants or additional treatments based on their individual circumstances. It is important for patients to adhere to any prescribed follow-up appointments and care instructions to facilitate optimal recovery.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF OCULAR IMPLANT
Medium Descr REMOVAL OCULAR IMPLANT
Long Descr Removal of ocular 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) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
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
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
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.)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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