Summary & Overview
HCPCS C1783: Ocular Implant, Aqueous Drainage Assist Device
HCPCS Level II code C1783 denotes an ocular implant used to assist aqueous drainage, an implantable ophthalmic device intended to manage intraocular pressure. This device-level code is relevant to ophthalmology surgical services and implant billing. Nationally, device codes like C1783 affect facility and professional reimbursement, device tracking, and coverage policy decisions for glaucoma and other ocular hypertensive conditions.
Key payers covered in this review include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical purpose of the device, typical sites of service (hospital outpatient departments and ambulatory surgical centers), and the payer landscape addressed. The publication also outlines common modifier usage (input-provided list), identifies where data were not provided, and summarizes implications for claims processing and billing workflows.
This summary equips readers with an understanding of what C1783 represents, which payers are commonly involved, and what to expect in related billing and policy contexts. Data not available in the input are noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code C1783 describes an ocular implant, aqueous drainage assist device. This device is used in ophthalmologic procedures to facilitate aqueous humor outflow and help manage intraocular pressure.
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Service type: Surgical implantable ophthalmic device
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient in their 60s with progressive open-angle glaucoma and inadequate intraocular pressure control despite maximal tolerated medical therapy presents for implantation of an aqueous drainage assist device (glaucoma drainage implant). The procedure is performed in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department under monitored anesthesia care or general anesthesia. Preoperative evaluation includes focused ophthalmic examination, review of prior glaucoma surgeries and medications, imaging as indicated, and consent discussing risks such as hypotony, tube exposure, infection, and need for additional glaucoma procedures. Intraoperatively, the ophthalmic surgeon creates a conjunctival peritomy, fashions a scleral tunnel or patch graft site, and positions the aqueous drainage device to shunt aqueous humor from the anterior chamber to a plate or reservoir. The device described by billing code C1783 (ocular implant, aqueous drainage assist device) is implanted and secured; adjunctive maneuvers may include use of viscoelastic, suturing, and placement of a patch graft. Postoperative care includes topical antibiotics and steroids, intraocular pressure monitoring, possible suture lysis or needling in clinic, and scheduled follow-up visits to monitor for complications and IOP control.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work or complexity substantially exceeds usual for the device implantation (documentation must support). |