Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers
CPT 67440: Orbitotomy for Drainage of Orbital Cyst or Abscess
CPT code 67440 defines an orbitotomy procedure in which a portion of the lateral orbital bone is removed to access and drain a fluid collection such as a cyst or abscess. This surgical intervention addresses localized orbital infections or cystic lesions that threaten ocular function or cause pain and swelling. The code is relevant nationally because it captures a specialized, resource-intensive operative service involving general anesthesia, surgical facility use, and perioperative management.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find concise clinical context for when the procedure is used, the typical sites of service, and the provider specialties most commonly involved. The publication also outlines payment and billing considerations, common modifiers, and related coding issues where data are available. Policy updates and benchmark perspectives relevant to hospital and ambulatory surgery settings are summarized to support coding accuracy and administrative planning.
Overall, the content helps clinical coders, revenue cycle staff, and policy analysts understand the clinical intent of CPT code 67440, the settings in which it is performed, and the payer landscape that affects reimbursement and prior authorization practices. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable.
Customize your policy alerts
Sign up for cpt 67440 policy alerts
Get alerted when payer policies referencing 67440 are released or updated.
Monitor payer policy activity
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 67440 describes a surgical procedure in which the surgeon makes an incision through the lateral orbital rim and removes a segment of orbital bone to access and drain a localized fluid collection such as a cyst or abscess. The bone segment may be replaced as a temporary bone flap during the operation or left as a permanent bone window after drainage.
-
Service type: Surgical orbital bone removal with drainage (orbitotomy for drainage)
-
Typical site of service: Operating room or ambulatory surgery center, often performed by ophthalmic plastic/reconstructive surgeons or otolaryngologists with orbital surgery expertise