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Official Description

Removal of blood clot, anterior segment of eye

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 65930 refers to the procedure for the removal of a blood clot from the anterior segment of the eye, commonly known as a hyphema. A hyphema occurs when blood accumulates in the anterior chamber of the eye, which is the space between the cornea and the iris. This condition can arise due to various factors, including blunt or penetrating trauma to the eye, complications from intraocular surgery, or spontaneously due to underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus, ischemic disease, cicatrix formation, ocular neoplasm, or uveitis. The presence of red blood cells suspended in the aqueous humor forms the clot, leading to inflammation, increased intraocular pressure, and pain. If left untreated, the blood can stain the cornea, resulting in visual impairment. The procedure involves specific surgical techniques to safely remove the clot and restore normal function to the eye, thereby alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 65930 is indicated for the removal of a blood clot in the anterior segment of the eye, specifically in the following situations:

  • Trauma: The presence of a blood clot may result from blunt or penetrating trauma to the exposed area of the eye.
  • Post-Surgical Complications: A hyphema can occur as a complication following intraocular surgery.
  • Spontaneous Occurrence: Conditions such as neovascularization in patients with diabetes mellitus, ischemic disease, cicatrix formation, ocular neoplasm, or uveitis may lead to the spontaneous formation of a blood clot.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the removal of a blood clot from the anterior segment of the eye involves several critical steps:

  • Patient Positioning: The patient is positioned supine to provide optimal access to the eye during the procedure.
  • Microscope Setup: An operating microscope is positioned to enhance visibility of the surgical field, allowing for precise manipulation and removal of the clot.
  • Incision Creation: A clear corneal incision is made using a diamond blade, which is aligned parallel to the plane of the iris. This incision allows access to the anterior chamber where the blood clot is located.
  • Fluid Infusion: A 20-gauge Ocutome is connected to an infusion of balanced salt solution plus (BSS-Plus) and introduced into the anterior chamber. This fluid is essential for irrigating the chamber.
  • Clot Disruption: The anterior chamber is irrigated with the BSS-Plus solution to break up the blood clot, facilitating its removal.
  • Aspiration: The fluid, along with the dislodged blood clot, is aspirated using suction to clear the anterior chamber of any remaining debris.
  • Air Bubble Placement: At the conclusion of the procedure, an air bubble is placed into the anterior chamber to help maintain the integrity of the eye and support healing.
  • Closure of Incision: The incision in the cornea is closed using a 10-0 suture, ensuring that the surgical site is secure.
  • Post-Procedure Care: Antibiotic eye drops may be instilled to prevent infection, and the eye is patched to protect it during the initial recovery phase.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, the patient may experience some discomfort, which is typically managed with prescribed medications. The eye will be patched to protect it from external irritants and to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the recovery process and to ensure that the anterior chamber remains clear of any residual blood or complications. Patients are advised to adhere to any prescribed post-operative care instructions, including the use of antibiotic eye drops, to minimize the risk of infection and support optimal healing.

Short Descr REMOVE BLOOD CLOT FROM EYE
Medium Descr RMVL BLOOD CLOT ANTERIOR SEGMENT EYE
Long Descr Removal of blood clot, anterior segment of eye
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 20 - Other intraocular 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.
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 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.
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.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
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.)
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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