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Official Description

Release of extensive scar tissue without detaching extraocular muscle (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67343 involves the release of extensive scar tissue that has formed around the extraocular muscles, which are responsible for eye movement. This condition may arise from prior injuries or previous surgical interventions on the eye, leading to restricted movement and potential visual impairment. During the procedure, a surgical incision is made directly over the affected extraocular muscle to gain access. The surgeon carefully exposes and inspects the muscle while ensuring that it remains attached to the globe of the eye. The primary focus of the surgery is to address the scar tissue that is hindering normal eye movement. This is achieved by lysing, or breaking down, the adhesions that have formed between the eye muscle and the surrounding anatomical structures. Once the scar tissue has been adequately addressed, the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the white part of the eye, is closed to complete the procedure. This meticulous approach aims to restore proper eye function without detaching the muscle from its original attachment, thereby minimizing potential complications and promoting recovery.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for patients who exhibit impaired eye movement due to extensive scar tissue formation. This condition may result from:

  • Previous Eye Surgery Scar tissue may develop as a complication of prior surgical interventions on the eye, leading to restricted movement of the extraocular muscles.
  • Eye Injury Trauma to the eye can result in the formation of scar tissue, which can adhere to the extraocular muscles and surrounding structures, affecting their function.

2. Procedure

The procedure consists of several key steps that ensure effective release of the scar tissue while preserving the integrity of the extraocular muscle. Each step is crucial for achieving the desired outcome.

  • Step 1: Incision The surgeon begins by making a precise incision over the affected extraocular muscle. This incision allows access to the muscle and the surrounding scar tissue.
  • Step 2: Exposure and Inspection Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully exposes the extraocular muscle and inspects it for any signs of scar tissue or adhesions that may be affecting its movement.
  • Step 3: Lysis of Adhesions The surgeon then proceeds to address the scar tissue by lysing the adhesions that have formed between the extraocular muscle and the surrounding anatomical structures. This step is critical for restoring normal movement.
  • Step 4: Closure of Conjunctiva After the scar tissue has been adequately released, the surgeon closes the conjunctiva, ensuring that the surgical site is properly sealed and that the eye is protected during the recovery process.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any signs of complications and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow specific instructions regarding eye care. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to assess recovery and the effectiveness of the procedure in restoring eye movement. It is essential for patients to adhere to the post-operative care guidelines provided by their healthcare provider to promote optimal healing and recovery.

Short Descr RELEASE EYE TISSUE
Medium Descr RLS XTNSV SCAR TISS W/O DETACHING EO MUSC SPX
Long Descr Release of extensive scar tissue without detaching extraocular muscle (separate procedure)
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
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).
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
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.)
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.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
E1 Upper left, eyelid
E2 Lower left, eyelid
E3 Upper right, eyelid
E4 Lower right, eyelid
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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
1991-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1991.
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