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Official Description

Orbitotomy without bone flap (frontal or transconjunctival approach); with removal of bone for decompression

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 67414 involves an orbitotomy performed without the creation of a bone flap, utilizing either a frontal or transconjunctival approach. This surgical intervention is specifically aimed at relieving pressure within the orbit, which may be caused by various conditions affecting the eye. The term 'orbitotomy' refers to the surgical exploration of the orbit, the bony cavity that houses the eye, and the surrounding structures. In this procedure, the surgeon accesses the orbit through an incision made in the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the eye, or through a frontal approach, which involves incisions made in the forehead area. The goal of the surgery is to achieve orbital decompression by removing a portion of the bone that is contributing to the pressure on the eye or surrounding tissues. The choice of approach—transconjunctival or frontal—depends on the specific area of the orbit that requires intervention. The transconjunctival approach is particularly advantageous as it minimizes external scarring and provides direct access to the orbital contents. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues to expose the orbital area of interest, identifies the specific region causing compression, and performs the necessary bone removal to alleviate the pressure. This meticulous approach ensures that the surrounding structures are preserved while effectively addressing the underlying issue.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The orbitotomy procedure described by CPT® Code 67414 is indicated for various conditions that necessitate orbital decompression. These indications may include, but are not limited to:

  • Orbital Tumors: The presence of tumors within the orbit that may be causing increased pressure on the eye or surrounding structures.
  • Thyroid Eye Disease: Conditions such as Graves' disease, where inflammation and swelling of the eye muscles lead to increased orbital pressure.
  • Trauma: Injuries to the orbit that result in fractures or swelling, necessitating decompression to relieve pressure and restore normal function.
  • Infections: Orbital cellulitis or other infections that cause swelling and pressure within the orbit.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 67414 involves several critical steps to ensure effective orbital decompression. Each step is detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision in the conjunctiva, which may be located in either the upper or lower conjunctival fornix. This approach allows for direct access to the orbit while minimizing external scarring.
  • Step 2: Dissection Following the incision, the surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues surrounding the orbit to expose the area of interest. This dissection is performed with precision to avoid damaging surrounding structures.
  • Step 3: Exploration Once the area is exposed, the upper or lower aspect of the orbit is explored to identify the specific region requiring decompression. This exploration is crucial for determining the exact location of the bone that is causing compression.
  • Step 4: Bone Exposure After identifying the area of interest, the orbital bone is exposed, and the periosteum, which is the membrane covering the bone, is incised to allow access to the bone itself.
  • Step 5: Bone Removal The surgeon then drills holes into the orbital bone, connecting these holes using an oscillating saw or osteotome. This technique allows for the precise removal of the bone that is contributing to the orbital compression.
  • Step 6: Closure After the necessary bone has been excised, the surgeon meticulously closes the soft tissues and conjunctiva in layers to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following an orbitotomy with bone removal involves monitoring for any complications and ensuring proper healing. Patients may experience swelling and discomfort in the area, which can be managed with prescribed medications. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and to monitor for any signs of infection or other complications. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow specific care instructions provided by their healthcare provider to promote optimal recovery.

Short Descr EXPLR/DECOMPRESS EYE SOCKET
Medium Descr ORBITOTOMY W/O BONE FLAP W/RMVL BONE DCMPRN
Long Descr Orbitotomy without bone flap (frontal or transconjunctival approach); with removal of bone for decompression
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) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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 Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; 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.
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.
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.)
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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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)
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
1992-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1992.
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