Summary & Overview
CPT 67710: Release of Tarsorrhaphy, Removal of Eyelid Sutures
CPT code 67710 denotes the surgical release of a tarsorrhaphy — removal of stitches and scar tissue from eyelids previously sewn together to protect the cornea. Nationally, this code represents a focused ophthalmic reconstructive procedure with implications for postoperative care, surgical scheduling in ambulatory settings, and coverage determinations for corneal-protective interventions. It matters because timely and appropriate use of this code ensures continuity of vision-preserving care after corneal disease or injury.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication outlines how these payers typically classify this ophthalmic procedure, considerations for site-of-service reimbursement, and common billing practice themes.
Readers will find clinical context for the procedure, operational benchmarks related to typical sites of service (ophthalmology clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, or hospital outpatient departments), and billing guidance such as frequently used modifiers and payer-specific coverage considerations. The summary also highlights where input data is not available and indicates "Data not available in the input" for missing fields, so readers understand the limits of the dataset provided.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 67710 describes a surgical procedure to remove sutures and scar tissue from eyelids that were previously fused (tarsorrhaphy) to protect the cornea. This procedure is performed when the eyelids had been temporarily sewn together to prevent corneal irritation or damage during treatment of corneal disease or injury.
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Service type: Surgical ophthalmic procedure to reverse a protective eyelid fusion
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Typical site of service: Ophthalmology clinic or ambulatory surgical center; may also be performed in a hospital outpatient department
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with chronic corneal exposure or progressive corneal disease who previously underwent temporary or permanent eyelid closure (tarsorrhaphy) to protect the ocular surface. The patient presents to an ophthalmic surgical clinic for planned removal of sutures and excision of scar tissue at the eyelid margin after corneal healing has been achieved. The clinical workflow begins with a preoperative evaluation by an ophthalmologist (ocular surface specialist or corneal surgeon) documenting indication and corneal status, review of perioperative medications, and informed consent. On the day of service the patient undergoes local anesthesia (topical and/or local infiltration) in a procedure room or ambulatory surgery center. The provider identifies the tarsorrhaphy site, carefully removes sutures, excises fibrotic scar to restore palpebral fissure aperture and eyelid margin contour, controls hemostasis, and dresses the eyelid. Post-procedure instruction includes topical antibiotic ointment, ocular surface lubrication, and follow-up to assess corneal status and eyelid function. Typical sites of service are outpatient ophthalmology clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, or hospital outpatient departments. The service type is minor ophthalmic reconstructive procedure performed to restore eyelid anatomy and protect corneal health.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
26 | Professional component | Use when reporting only the physician's professional portion separate from technical facility services. |