Summary & Overview
CPT 66682: Suture Repair of Iris Detached from Ciliary Body
CPT code 66682 represents a focused intraocular reconstructive procedure in which the surgeon sutures an area of the iris that has detached from the ciliary body. The code is used to document surgical repair aimed at restoring iris anatomy, reducing photic symptoms, and improving ocular function. Nationally, accurate use of this code supports consistent billing for ophthalmic trauma and reconstructive services and informs coverage and utilization monitoring for complex anterior segment procedures.
Key payers in the national analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for CPT code 66682, typical sites of service, common modifiers used with ophthalmic surgeries, and expectations for payer coverage practices. The publication summarizes available benchmarks where present, highlights relevant policy considerations affecting reimbursement and prior authorization, and situates the procedure within related anterior segment surgical services. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 66682 describes surgical repair in which the provider sutures a portion of the iris that has torn away from the ciliary body. This procedure is an ocular reconstructive surgery focused on restoring the anatomical continuity of the iris and improving visual function and intraocular stability.
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Service type: Intraocular surgical repair of the iris (suturing of iris to ciliary body)
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Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center, under ophthalmic surgical care
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 45–70-year-old individual presenting to an ophthalmic emergency clinic or operating room after blunt or penetrating ocular trauma, or occasionally following complicated intraocular surgery, with symptoms of acute pain, photophobia, visual disturbance, or visible anterior segment irregularity. Examination with slit-lamp biomicroscopy identifies an iridodialysis or avulsion in which a portion of the iris has torn away from its attachment at the ciliary body. The clinical workflow includes informed consent, topical and/or regional anesthesia, sterile preparation in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital OR, micro-surgical repair of the iris root using fine sutures to reattach the iris to the ciliary body, intraoperative assessment of iris contour and pupil function, and postoperative topical antibiotics and steroids with follow-up visits to monitor intraocular pressure, wound integrity, and visual recovery. Typical setting is an ophthalmic operating room or hospital outpatient surgery suite staffed by an ophthalmologist with microsurgical training, anesthesia provider as indicated, and ophthalmic surgical nursing and instrumentation support.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when only the physician professional component is billed separately from technical OR facility services. |