Summary & Overview
CPT 65757: Corneal Endothelial Graft Preparation, Add-on
CPT code 65757 identifies the intraoperative add‑on procedure for preparing a corneal endothelial graft during the same encounter as corneal transplantation. This code captures the surgical work required to ready donor endothelial tissue prior to implantation and is billed in addition to the primary corneal transplant procedure. Nationally, accurate use of this code matters for proper claims reporting, clinical documentation, and aggregated tracking of corneal transplant services.
Key payers included in this overview are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the code’s clinical intent and service setting, a discussion of common modifiers and billing considerations, and benchmarking context where available. The publication also summarizes related coding guidance, typical sites of service (operating room and ambulatory surgical center), and the role of the procedure in corneal transplantation workflows.
This summary is aimed at billing managers, surgical practices, and policy analysts seeking a national-level reference for CPT code 65757, including how it integrates with corneal transplant encounters and where additional documentation attention is often required. Data not available in the input is noted where relevant.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 65757 describes an add-on surgical preparation of a corneal endothelial graft performed at the same encounter as corneal transplantation. The procedure involves the use of surgical instruments to prepare the donor corneal endothelial tissue prior to implantation.
-
Service type: Add-on surgical procedure performed in conjunction with corneal transplantation
-
Typical site of service: Operating room or ambulatory surgical center during corneal transplant surgery
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 68-year-old patient with endothelial corneal disease (for example, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy) presents with progressive vision decline and corneal edema refractory to medical therapy. The ophthalmic surgeon schedules an endothelial keratoplasty (such as Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty) in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department. On the day of surgery the surgeon receives a donor corneal tissue and uses intraoperative microsurgical instruments and techniques to prepare the donor posterior lamellar endothelial graft to the precise size and thickness required for implantation. Preparation includes trephination or microkeratome/dissection, orientation marking, and inspection of the endothelial surface before transplantation. The graft preparation occurs during the same operative encounter as the corneal transplantation and is billed as an add-on procedure to the primary keratoplasty.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
62 | Two surgeons | When two surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct portions of the corneal graft preparation and transplantation. |
63 | Procedure performed on infants under 4 kg |