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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesPlacement of Drug-eluting Ocular ProceduresCPT cpt-0444t-glaucoma-drug-delivery-ocular-device-placement
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    CPT 0444T: Drug-Eluting Contact-Lens Device Placement for Glaucoma

    CPT code 0444T describes placement of a clear, flexible, drug-eluting device (similar to a contact lens) beneath one or more eyelids of one or both eyes for topical ocular drug delivery to treat glaucoma, and includes fitting, patient training, and initial insertion; service type: device placement and drug delivery procedure; typical site of service: ophthalmology clinic or ambulatory surgery/procedure center.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Vizz, Intraocular Lens Implant, Travoprost Intracameral Implant.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 68-year-old patient with primary open-angle glaucoma attends an ophthalmology clinic for management of elevated intraocular pressure despite maximally tolerated topical drops. The ophthalmologist evaluates vision, intraocular pressure (IOP), slit-lamp exam, and optic nerve status, and recommends placement of a sustained-release ocular insert (drug-eluting punctal or conjunctival device similar to a contact lens) containing a glaucoma medication such as timolol. The clinical workflow includes pre-procedure counseling, informed consent, measurement of IOP and corneal status, fitting and selection of the appropriately sized device, instruction and training on device care and signs of complications, and initial insertion in the office under topical anesthesia. Post-insertion observation verifies device position and immediate tolerance; follow-up visits monitor IOP response, device retention, and ocular surface health. Typical site of service is an ophthalmology office or ambulatory surgery center for outpatient insertion and training.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    92083Diagnostic ophthalmological services; extended ophthalmoscopy and intraocular pressure measurement with interpretation and report (per visit)Often performed before and during follow-up to document IOP response to the implanted drug-eluting device.
    99213Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, low to moderate complexityTypical E/M code for pre-procedure assessment or routine postoperative follow-up visits in the office.
    66821Excision of lesion of eyelid, full-thickness, repair of defect; simplePerformed rarely if device-related complications require surgical removal of conjunctival or eyelid tissue.
    65855Removal of implanted ocular device from the conjunctival sacUsed when the drug-eluting device requires removal or replacement after initial insertion.
    67028Intravitreal injection of a pharmacologic agentDifferent route of ocular drug delivery; may be used in alternative or adjunctive glaucoma pharmacotherapy strategies.

    Related Modifiers

    10 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    54Modifier ‑54 (“Surgical care only”) is appended to a CPT surgical procedure when the reporting surgeon performs the intraoperative (surgical) component but does not furnish the preoperative and/or…- Use modifier -54 when the reporting surgeon provided only the intraoperative (surgical) component of a procedure and preoperative and/or postoperative management has been or will be provided by…
    55Modifier –55 indicates the billing provider furnished only postoperative management for a procedure that has a global surgical period. According to AAPC, this modifier is appended to the same CPT…- Use modifier -55 when billing the same CPT surgical code that has a 10- or 90-day global period and you, as a provider other than the original surgeon, furnished ONLY postoperative management (no…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
    66Modifier 66 (Surgical Team) is used when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons on a single, highly complex procedure. The AMA defines it for use when a surgical team — often composed of…- Use modifier 66 when three or more surgeons act as primary surgeons working collaboratively as a surgical team on a single, highly complex or difficult procedure (for example organ…
    73Modifier 73 indicates a facility-level outpatient hospital or ASC procedure that was discontinued after the patient was prepared and taken to the procedure/operating room but before any anesthesia…- When to use: Apply CPT modifier 73 on the FACILITY (outpatient hospital or ASC) claim when the patient has been fully prepared and physically taken into the procedure/operating room but the…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207W00000X
    103T00000X
    363A00000X
    207L00000X
    225XH1300X
    261QE0800X
    283Q00000X
    101200000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    15 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    H26.9Unspecified cataract
    H40.10X0Unspecified open-angle glaucoma, stage unspecified
    H40.10X1Unspecified open-angle glaucoma, mild stage
    H40.10X2Unspecified open-angle glaucoma, moderate stage
    H40.1210Low-tension glaucoma, right eye, stage unspecified
    H40.1211Low-tension glaucoma, right eye, mild stage
    H40.1212Low-tension glaucoma, right eye, moderate stage
    H40.1220Low-tension glaucoma, left eye, stage unspecified
    H40.1221Low-tension glaucoma, left eye, mild stage
    H40.1222Low-tension glaucoma, left eye, moderate stage

    Showing 1–10 of 15

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Ophthalmology/Optometry1 / 2

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    VizzCigna2026-11-01
    Intraocular Lens ImplantCigna2026-11-01
    Travoprost Intracameral ImplantBluecross Idaho2026-11-01
    Ophthalmology - Pilocarpine 1.25%Cigna2026-10-15
    Cataract Removal Surgery for AdultsAnthem2026-10-01
    Brow Ptosis and Eyelid Repair (for Kentucky Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Brow Ptosis and Eyelid Repair (for New Mexico Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Brow Ptosis and Eyelid Repair (for Ohio Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01
    Cataract Removal Surgery for AdultsAnthem2026-10-01
    Brow Ptosis and Eyelid Repair (for Idaho Only)UnitedHealthcare2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-0445T-OCULAR-DRUG-RELEASING-INSERT-REPLACEMENT

    CPT 0445T: Removal and Replacement of Ocular Drug‑Releasing Insert

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
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