CPT code 66170 denotes an ophthalmic surgical procedure that creates a fistula and removes part of the trabecular meshwork to treat glaucoma and lower intraocular pressure. This intervention is a clinically significant option for patients with open-angle glaucoma or other forms of medically uncontrolled intraocular hypertension where improving aqueous outflow is indicated. Nationally, procedural codes for glaucoma surgery are important for tracking utilization of operative interventions as alternatives to medical therapy and for monitoring access to specialty surgical care.

Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The coverage and reimbursement policies for glaucoma surgery vary across these payers and between commercial and government programs, influencing site-of-service choices such as ambulatory surgery centers versus hospital operating rooms.

Readers will learn the clinical context of the procedure, typical settings where it is performed, and which major payers are relevant for coverage considerations. The publication also outlines typical benchmarking and policy themes that affect billing and utilization for operative glaucoma treatments. Data not available in the input are indicated where applicable.