CPT code 66155 denotes thermocauterization fistula creation for glaucoma, an ophthalmic surgical procedure designed to lower intraocular pressure by creating an alternate drainage pathway. The code is clinically important because it represents a targeted intervention for patients with medically uncontrolled glaucoma and can affect access to vision-preserving treatment across outpatient and ambulatory surgical settings. Nationally, utilization of such procedures factors into surgical volume, device adoption, and payer coverage policies for glaucoma care.

Key payers considered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context and typical sites of service, a summary of payer coverage considerations, and identification of common procedural modifiers used with this service. The publication outlines benchmarking elements relevant to claims processing and reimbursement patterns, highlights policy updates that influence prior authorization and coverage criteria, and provides clinical context to inform coding accuracy and documentation expectations.

The content is oriented to billing managers, ophthalmology practice administrators, and policy analysts seeking a national perspective on coding, coverage, and operational implications for CPT code 66155 without state-specific detail.