Summary & Overview
CPT 67505: Retrobulbar Alcohol Injection for Ocular Pain
CPT code 67505 denotes a retrobulbar alcohol injection — a neurolytic procedure that delivers alcohol into the space behind the eye to relieve severe ocular pain. The code captures a targeted interventional approach used when other pain-control measures are insufficient or when diagnostic and therapeutic goals require chemical neurolysis. Nationally, the code is relevant to ophthalmology, pain management, and palliative care because it affects procedural authorization, site-of-service decisions, and payer coverage policies for low-volume but high-impact pain interventions.
Key payers addressed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the clinical intent and typical care setting for the procedure, plus coverage and billing considerations relevant to these major payers. The publication outlines benchmarks and policy elements that influence reimbursement, common billing modifiers and coding practices, and the clinical context in which the procedure is used. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
This summary is intended for providers, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a national-level briefing on the procedural definition, payer landscape, and reporting considerations associated with CPT code 67505.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 67505 describes an injection of alcohol into the retrobulbar space (the area behind the eyeball) intended to relieve severe ocular pain. This procedure is a percutaneous, targeted neurolytic intervention to disrupt nociceptive signaling to the globe.
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Service type: Interventional pain procedure / neurolytic injection
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department; may also be performed in other settings equipped for ocular procedures
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an older adult with severe, intractable ocular pain from blind painful eye (phthisis bulbi), neovascular glaucoma, or end-stage ocular disease who has failed conservative medical management (topical analgesics, systemic analgesics, topical pressure-lowering agents). The patient presents to an ophthalmology clinic or ambulatory surgery unit for a peribulbar or retrobulbar chemical ablation procedure. After informed consent and review of indications and risks, the patient is prepped in a minor procedure room or ambulatory surgical suite. Local anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care may be provided. The ophthalmologist inserts a needle into the retrobulbar space under sterile technique and injects absolute or high-concentration ethanol (alcohol) to chemically ablate sensory nerves, resulting in pain relief. The procedure typically takes 10–30 minutes. Post-procedure monitoring occurs for immediate complications (orbital hemorrhage, globe perforation, optic nerve damage, extraocular muscle dysfunction) before discharge with short-term follow-up arranged.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Physician or other qualified health care professional service | Use when the service represents the usual, customary service provided by the reporting practitioner. |
22 |