Summary & Overview
CPT 67917: Extensive Repair of Lower Eyelid Ectropion
CPT code 67917 represents an extensive surgical repair of ectropion of the lower eyelid, a reconstructive oculoplastic procedure to correct outward eyelid malposition that can lead to excessive tearing and ocular irritation. Nationally, this code is used across outpatient surgical settings and is relevant to ophthalmology, plastic surgery, and otolaryngology practices that perform eyelid reconstruction. The code is clinically significant because appropriate coding supports accurate clinical documentation, procedure tracking, and payer reimbursement for complex eyelid repairs. Key payers commonly considered in national analyses include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will learn the clinical context for the code, typical sites of service and service type, common modifiers and payer considerations where available, and how this procedure fits within oculoplastic surgical practice. The publication offers benchmarks and policy-oriented information where data is available, and otherwise notes when input data is not provided. This summary is intended for a national audience of clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking concise guidance on the clinical meaning and payer landscape associated with CPT code 67917.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 67917 describes an extensive repair of ectropion, a surgical procedure to correct an outward turning of the lower eyelid and eyelashes that can cause tearing and ocular irritation. The procedure involves reconstructive techniques to restore normal eyelid position and protect the ocular surface.
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Service type: Surgical repair / oculoplastic reconstructive surgery
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Typical site of service: Outpatient ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department
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Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 72-year-old female presents to an ophthalmic plastic surgery clinic with progressive outward turning of the left lower eyelid, chronic tearing, ocular surface irritation, and intermittent keratopathy. Conservative measures including lubricating drops and eyelid taping provided limited relief. Examination demonstrates horizontal eyelid laxity with punctal eversion and medial canthal tendon attenuation consistent with involutional ectropion. The provider schedules an operative repair under monitored anesthesia care in the ambulatory surgery center.
Preoperative workflow includes history and medication review, informed consent specific to CPT 67917 (extensive repair of ectropion), surgical site marking, and photography. Intraoperative steps typically include eyelid margin repositioning, horizontal tightening (e.g., lateral tarsal strip), medial canthal reconstruction if needed, excision or advancement of redundant skin, and layered closure. Postoperative workflow includes immediate recovery monitoring, discharge with topical antibiotics and lubricants, and a 1-week wound check with suture removal as indicated.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
RT | Right side | Append when the repair is performed on the right lower eyelid |