CPT code 65450 covers destruction of a corneal lesion using cryotherapy, photocoagulation, or thermocauterization, with cryotherapy being the most common modality. This procedure code captures minor ophthalmic surface surgery focused on removing focal corneal lesions that may be symptomatic, interfering with vision, or require tissue removal for diagnostic or therapeutic reasons. Nationally, accurate coding of CPT code 65450 affects clinical documentation, billing consistency, and aggregated utilization counts for ophthalmic outpatient care.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service where the work is performed, and the types of benchmarks and policy items commonly associated with this code. The publication summarizes typical billing considerations and common modifiers used with procedural ophthalmic codes, highlights implications for outpatient ophthalmology practice patterns, and notes areas where payers commonly set prior authorization or documentation expectations.

The content is intended to inform coding staff, practice managers, and policy audiences about the clinical and billing identity of CPT code 65450, expected service settings, and the broader administrative and reimbursement considerations relevant to this specialty procedure.