The 2009 CPT includes several changes that affect coding and claim submission for endothelial keratoplasty:
- Submit CPT code 65756 for Descemet’s stripping with endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK)
- CPT codes 65235, 65280, 65286, 65400, 65410, 65800, 65805, 65815 and 66020 may not be submitted with CPT code 65756
- Use CPT code 65710 (lamellar keratoplasty) to report the removal of the most anterior layers of the cornea
- Final backbench preparations by the surgeon are included in penetrating keratoplasty (CPT codes 65730-65755) and lamellar keratoplasty (CPT code 65710) and should not be reported separately
- The donor graft preparation may be performed by an eye bank or by the ophthalmologist at the time of the endothelial keratoplasty. When the surgeon prepares the graft from the supplied donor corneal tissue at the time of the endothelial keratoplasty, submit add-on CPT code 65757 for donor graft preparation for CPT code 65756 (endothelial keratoplasty). An operative report must be submitted detailing the surgical work performed because Palmetto GBA determines reimbursement for this procedure.
- Corneal topography (CPT code 92025) is considered an integral part of the service and may not be reported in conjunction with keratoplasty procedures (CPT codes 65710, 65730, 65750, 65755, 65756, 65757)
Reference: CPT Assistant, April 2009, Vol. 19, Issue 4