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Official Description

Repair of laceration; conjunctiva, by mobilization and rearrangement, with hospitalization

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The conjunctiva is a delicate, transparent mucous membrane that serves a critical role in the anatomy of the eye, covering the sclera, which is the white part of the eye, and lining the inner surface of the eyelids. In cases where the conjunctiva is lacerated, a surgical procedure may be necessary to repair the damage. The procedure involves the administration of a local anesthetic to ensure the patient’s comfort during the operation. A thorough examination of the eye is conducted to confirm that there is no injury to the globe, which is the eyeball itself. If the edges of the laceration are rough or jagged, they are debrided, or cleaned, to promote optimal healing. The conjunctiva is then mobilized and rearranged to alleviate any tension on the edges of the laceration, which is crucial for proper healing. In some instances, a flap may be created to provide adequate coverage over the defect, ensuring that the area is well-protected. The final step of the procedure involves the use of absorbable sutures to secure the conjunctiva in place, facilitating a smooth recovery. This specific code, CPT® 65273, is utilized when the repair of the conjunctival laceration necessitates hospitalization, distinguishing it from similar procedures that do not require such an extensive level of care.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 65273 is indicated for the repair of lacerations to the conjunctiva that require hospitalization. This may include cases where the laceration is significant enough to necessitate surgical intervention to ensure proper healing and to prevent complications. The indications for this procedure may include:

  • Conjunctival Laceration A significant tear or cut in the conjunctiva that may compromise the integrity of the eye and requires surgical repair.
  • Injury Assessment Situations where there is a need to assess and repair the conjunctiva after trauma to the eye, ensuring that the globe is not injured.

2. Procedure

The procedure for repairing a conjunctival laceration as described by CPT® Code 65273 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment and recovery. The first step is the administration of a local anesthetic to numb the area around the eye, allowing for a pain-free experience during the procedure. Following anesthesia, a thorough examination of the eye is performed to confirm that the globe, or the eyeball, is intact and free from injury. This assessment is crucial as any damage to the globe would require a different surgical approach.

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration Local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Eye Examination A careful examination of the eye is conducted to check for any injury to the globe, ensuring that the repair focuses solely on the conjunctiva.
  • Step 3: Debridement of Laceration Edges If necessary, the edges of the laceration are debrided to remove any rough or jagged tissue, promoting better healing.
  • Step 4: Mobilization and Rearrangement The conjunctiva is mobilized and rearranged to relieve tension on the edges of the laceration, which is essential for proper healing.
  • Step 5: Flap Development In some cases, a flap may be developed to ensure adequate coverage of the defect, providing additional support to the repair.
  • Step 6: Suturing The defect is then repaired using absorbable sutures, securing the conjunctiva in place to facilitate healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, the patient is typically monitored in a hospital setting to ensure there are no complications arising from the surgery. Post-procedure care may include instructions on how to care for the eye, potential follow-up appointments to assess healing, and guidance on recognizing signs of infection or other complications. The use of topical antibiotics may be recommended to prevent infection, and patients are advised to avoid any activities that could strain the eye during the initial recovery period. The expected recovery time may vary depending on the extent of the laceration and the individual’s overall health, but close monitoring is essential to ensure a successful outcome.

Short Descr REPAIR OF EYE WOUND
Medium Descr RPR LAC CJNC MOBLJ & REARGMT W/HOSPIZATION
Long Descr Repair of laceration; conjunctiva, by mobilization and rearrangement, with hospitalization
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 Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P4E - Eye procedure - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea
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).
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.
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)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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