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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesPlacement of Drug-eluting Ocular ProceduresCPT cpt-0445t-ocular-drug-releasing-insert-replacement
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    CPT 0445T: Removal and Replacement of Ocular Drug‑Releasing Insert

    CPT code 0445T describes removal of an existing ocular drug-releasing device and placement of a replacement drug-releasing insert beneath one or more eyelids of one or both eyes; this is a minor ophthalmic procedural service performed in an outpatient ophthalmology or ambulatory surgical setting and involves device manipulation and localized drug delivery to the conjunctival/forniceal space.

    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 typical patient is an adult with chronic ocular surface disease or severe dry eye who previously received a sustained-release, drug-releasing insert placed beneath the eyelid (a device similar in appearance to a contact lens) and now requires removal of the existing insert and replacement with a new drug-releasing device. The patient often presents to an ophthalmology clinic for a scheduled procedure. Pre-procedure workflow includes verification of informed consent, medication reconciliation, allergy review, and topical anesthesia application. The provider examines the eyelids and ocular surface, inspects the existing insert position, and documents indications such as inadequate drug delivery, device displacement, or end-of-duration for the implant. During the procedure the provider everts the eyelid if needed, removes the existing device using atraumatic technique, inspects the fornix for debris or device remnants, and places a new drug-releasing insert under one or more eyelids of one or both eyes. Post-procedure care includes confirmation of proper device seating, patient education on activity restrictions and warning signs (increased pain, vision change, significant discharge), documentation of laterality, device lot or identifier if available, and scheduling follow-up for device assessment or removal if indicated. Typical billing uses 0445T with a laterality modifier when required; the usual site of service is an ophthalmology clinic or same-day surgery center. The patient scenario commonly involves follow-up visits for maintenance therapy for chronic dry eye, allergic conjunctivitis requiring sustained-release medication, or replacement after inadvertent device loss or expiration of drug delivery duration.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    0445TRemoval of an existing insert and placement of another drug-releasing device beneath one or more eyelids of one or both eyesPrimary procedure described; used for exchange of sustained-release ocular inserts.
    92002Ophthalmological service, medical diagnostic; intermediate, new patient, with initiation of diagnostic and treatment program (not used for billing in all settings)Pre-procedure diagnostic evaluation for new patients requiring more detailed assessment prior to device exchange in clinic.
    92012Ophthalmological service, medical diagnostic; intermediate, established patient, with initiation or continuation of diagnostic and treatment programRoutine follow-up or pre-procedure evaluation for established patients prior to removal/replacement.
    66821Repair of wound of eyelid, full-thickness, with or without repair of tarsal platePerformed when device exchange is associated with eyelid laceration or full-thickness eyelid injury requiring repair.
    69210Removal of foreign body, external eye; corneal with slit lampRelevant when residual device fragments or foreign material on the cornea require separate removal under magnification.

    Related Modifiers

    11 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    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…
    81Modifier -81 indicates a physician served as a minimal assistant surgeon for part—not all—of an operative procedure. Use when a physician’s assisting role is limited and does not represent full…- Use CPT modifier -81 when a physician acts as a minimum assistant surgeon who assists during only part (a limited portion) of an operative procedure; append -81 to the primary surgical CPT code to…

    Showing 1–10 of 11

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207W00000X
    207R00000X
    363L00000X
    364S00000X
    1835N1003X
    163WH0500X
    246Y00000X
    235Z00000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    20 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    H01.001Unspecified blepharitis right upper eyelid
    H01.002Unspecified blepharitis right lower eyelid
    H02.831Dermatochalasis of right upper eyelid
    H02.832Dermatochalasis of right lower eyelid
    H02.833Dermatochalasis of right eye, unspecified eyelid
    H02.839Dermatochalasis of unspecified eye, unspecified eyelid
    H04.121Dry eye syndrome of right lacrimal gland
    H04.122Dry eye syndrome of left lacrimal gland
    H04.123Dry eye syndrome of bilateral lacrimal glands
    H04.129Dry eye syndrome of unspecified lacrimal gland

    Showing 1–10 of 20

    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-0444T-GLAUCOMA-DRUG-DELIVERY-OCULAR-DEVICE-PLACEMENT

    CPT 0444T: Drug-Eluting Contact-Lens Device Placement for Glaucoma

    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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    99024
    Postoperative follow-up visit global — postoperative follow-up visit during global period (used for reporting in some payer contexts)
    Used to report related postoperative follow-up visits when applicable per payer rules.