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Official Description

Orbitotomy without bone flap (frontal or transconjunctival approach); for exploration, with or without biopsy

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67400 involves an orbitotomy performed without the creation of a bone flap, utilizing either a frontal or transconjunctival approach. An orbitotomy is a surgical intervention aimed at accessing the orbit, which is the bony cavity containing the eye and its associated structures. This procedure is primarily conducted for exploration purposes, allowing the surgeon to investigate the orbit for any abnormalities, such as tumors, infections, or other lesions. In some cases, the procedure may also include obtaining tissue samples for biopsy to facilitate further pathological evaluation. The transconjunctival approach specifically involves making an incision in the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the eye, either in the upper or lower fornix. This method minimizes external scarring and provides direct access to the orbit. During the procedure, soft tissues surrounding the orbit are carefully dissected to expose the area of interest, allowing for thorough examination and intervention as necessary. The specific actions taken during the orbitotomy, including any biopsies or drainage of fluid collections, depend on the findings during exploration. It is important to note that any tissue samples obtained during this procedure are sent for separate pathology evaluation, ensuring that any potential abnormalities are accurately diagnosed and managed.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The orbitotomy procedure described by CPT® Code 67400 is indicated for various conditions that necessitate exploration of the orbit. These indications may include:

  • Suspicion of Tumors - When there is a clinical suspicion of neoplastic growths within the orbit that require direct visualization and possible biopsy.
  • Infections - To investigate and manage orbital infections that may present with symptoms such as swelling, pain, or vision changes.
  • Trauma - Following orbital trauma, to assess for fractures or other injuries that may affect the eye and surrounding structures.
  • Inflammatory Conditions - To evaluate inflammatory processes affecting the orbit, such as thyroid eye disease or orbital pseudotumor.
  • Fluid Collections - In cases where there is a suspected fluid collection, such as an abscess, that may require drainage.

2. Procedure

The orbitotomy procedure involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration - The procedure begins with the administration of appropriate anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and pain management during the surgery.
  • Step 2: Incision Creation - A transconjunctival incision is made in the upper or lower conjunctival fornix, allowing access to the orbit without external scarring.
  • Step 3: Dissection of Soft Tissues - The surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues surrounding the orbit to expose the area of interest, ensuring minimal trauma to adjacent structures.
  • Step 4: Exploration of the Orbit - The orbit is thoroughly explored, and any abnormalities, such as lesions or fluid collections, are identified and assessed.
  • Step 5: Biopsy or Drainage - If necessary, tissue samples are obtained for biopsy, or fluid collections are incised and drained. These samples are sent for separate pathology or laboratory evaluation as required.
  • Step 6: Closure of Incision - After the necessary interventions are completed, the soft tissues and conjunctiva are closed in layers to promote proper healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following an orbitotomy includes monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief medications. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and to review any pathology results from biopsies taken during the procedure. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow specific care instructions for the incision site to ensure optimal recovery.

Short Descr EXPLORE/BIOPSY EYE SOCKET
Medium Descr ORBITOTOMY W/O BONE FLAP EXPL W/WO BIOPSY
Long Descr Orbitotomy without bone flap (frontal or transconjunctival approach); for exploration, with or without biopsy
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 18 - Diagnostic procedures on eye
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.)
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).
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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).
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
GB Claim being re-submitted for payment because it is no longer covered under a global payment demonstration
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
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