Summary & Overview
CPT 67880: Tarsorrhaphy for Corneal Healing
CPT code 67880 represents a tarsorrhaphy procedure in which the inner edges of the eyelids are excised and sutured to partially or fully close the palpebral fissure, allowing the cornea to heal in cases of corneal disease or injury. This ophthalmic surgical code is relevant nationally for surgeons, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and payers managing coverage for sight-preserving procedures. It is commonly billed when temporary mechanical protection of the cornea is required to promote epithelial recovery or to protect against exposure-related damage.
Key payers commonly included in national analyses are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical intent, typical sites of service, and common billing contexts. The publication provides benchmarks for utilization and payment where available, clarifies coding context and related service considerations, and situates the procedure within clinical pathways for corneal protection and recovery. The report is designed to inform coding staff, practice managers, and policy analysts about clinical indications, coverage landscape, and operational considerations tied to CPT code 67880. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 67880 describes a surgical procedure in which the provider excises the inner edges of the eyelids and sutures them together, either partially or fully, at the middle or at either corner so that the lids heal in a closed position. This procedure is performed to protect and allow healing of the cornea in the presence of corneal disease or damage.
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Service type: Surgical ophthalmic procedure to promote corneal healing through temporary eyelid closure (tarsorrhaphy).
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Typical site of service: Operative suite or procedure room in an outpatient surgical center or hospital setting where ophthalmic surgical care is provided.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is an adult with severe corneal disease or traumatic corneal injury causing persistent epithelial defect, exposure keratopathy, or threatened perforation where temporary closure of the eyelids promotes corneal healing. The ophthalmic surgeon evaluates the patient in clinic, documents corneal pathology and failed conservative therapy (lubrication, bandage contact lens, tarsorrhaphy alternatives). In the operating room or procedure suite under local with sedation or general anesthesia, the surgeon excises the inner edges of the upper and/or lower eyelids and sutures them partially or completely together (temporary tarsorrhaphy) to close the palpebral fissure. Postoperative workflow includes immediate postoperative assessment, topical antibiotics and lubricants, pain control, and planned follow-up for suture removal or revision once the corneal condition has improved. Typical documentation includes preoperative diagnosis, indication for closure, operative details (extent: partial vs complete; location: central or lateral/medial; anesthesia type), time in room, and planned date for staged reopening.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
52 | Reduced services | Use when a partial tarsorrhaphy is intentionally less than full described service. |
53 |