HCPCS C1839: Iris Prosthesis

HCPCS Level II code C1839 represents an iris prosthesis, a prosthetic implant used to replace or reconstruct the iris for patients with iris defects; the service involves implantation of a custom or manufactured device typically performed as an ocular surgical procedure in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room setting.

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HCPCS C1839: Iris Prosthesis

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Get alerted when payer policies referencing C1839 are released or updated.

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Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A patient with aniridia, traumatic iris loss, or a large iris defect presents to an ophthalmic surgical practice for implantation of an iris prosthesis (C1839). Typical patients are adults or pediatric patients with visually significant photophobia, glare, or cosmetic deformity after penetrating ocular trauma, complicated cataract surgery with iris loss, or congenital absence of the iris. The clinical workflow begins with an ophthalmology evaluation including visual acuity, slit-lamp exam, tonometry, and dilated fundus exam. Imaging such as anterior segment optical coherence tomography or ultrasound biomicroscopy may be used to assess anterior chamber depth and capsular support. Preoperative counseling addresses risks (endophthalmitis, implant malposition, elevated intraocular pressure), need for concomitant procedures (cataract extraction, intraocular lens placement, corneal suturing), and selection of prosthesis type.

On the day of surgery, the patient undergoes regional or general anesthesia in an ambulatory surgical center or hospital operating room. The surgeon performs an anterior segment procedure to insert and position the iris prosthesis, which may be sutured to sclera or placed in the capsular bag or sulcus depending on ocular support. Intraoperative modifiers may apply for increased procedural complexity or unusual anesthesia. Postoperative care includes topical antibiotics, steroids, intraocular pressure monitoring, and follow-up visits for wound check and visual rehabilitation. Rehabilitation may include refraction, tinted contact lenses, or secondary procedures for malposition or suture adjustment.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`66982`	Complex cataract surgery with instrumentation requiring iris manipulation or surgical techniques (eg, major complications)	Performed when cataract removal with complex capsular or iris work is required concurrently with iris prosthesis implantation.
`66984`	Standard cataract surgery (phacoemulsification)	Performed before or during prosthesis placement when lens removal and intraocular lens implantation are part of the combined procedure.
`67904`	Repair of traumatic iridodialysis or sphincter repair	Performed for iris repair procedures that may be combined with or precede prosthetic iris insertion.
`0416T`	Insertion of intraocular prosthesis, iris or pupil prosthesis (for reporting some technologies) — Category III code example	May be used by some practices or payors for specific prosthetic iris technologies when applicable; check payer guidance.
`65778`	Keratoprosthesis (implantation)	Performed in rare complex cases when corneal replacement and iris prosthesis are combined during reconstruction.

Related Modifiers

8 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
54	Modifier ‑54 (“Surgical care only”) is appended to a CPT surgical procedure when the reporting surgeon performs the intraoperative (surgical) component but does not furnish the preoperative and/or…	- Use modifier -54 when the reporting surgeon provided only the intraoperative (surgical) component of a procedure and preoperative and/or postoperative management has been or will be provided by…
55	Modifier –55 indicates the billing provider furnished only postoperative management for a procedure that has a global surgical period. According to AAPC, this modifier is appended to the same CPT…	- Use modifier -55 when billing the same CPT surgical code that has a 10- or 90-day global period and you, as a provider other than the original surgeon, furnished ONLY postoperative management (no…
56	Modifier ‑56 indicates the reporting provider furnished only the preoperative management for a surgical procedure and did not perform the intraoperative or postoperative care. It is used in…	- Use Modifier -56 when a provider performs only the preoperative management in a split‑care situation (one physician manages preop care while a different physician performs the intraoperative…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207X00000X	Orthopaedic Surgery Physician	An orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated…
363L00000X	Nurse Practitioner	(1) A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision mak…
2086S0105X	Surgery of the Hand (Surgery) Physician	A surgeon with expertise in the investigation, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical and rehabilitative means, of all structures of the up…
101YS0200X	School Counselor	Behavioral Health & Social Service Providers · Counselor
3336C0004X	Compounding Pharmacy	A pharmacy that specializes in the preparation of components into a drug preparation as the result of a Practitioner's Prescription Drug Order or init…
163WC1600X	Continuing Education/Staff Development Registered Nurse	Nursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse
2086X0206X	Surgical Oncology Physician	A surgical oncologist is a well-qualified surgeon who has obtained additional training and experience in the multidisciplinary approach to the prevent…
163WH0200X	Home Health Registered Nurse	Nursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Cardiology1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT)/Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA)	univerahealthcare	2026-10-15
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Biomarkers for Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Heart Failure	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction for Diagnostic Cardiovascular Procedures	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Maine	2026-10-01
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	blue cross blue shield - louisiana	2026-09-15
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	Blue Cross Blue Shield - New Mexico	2026-09-04
Computed Tomography to Detect Coronary Artery Calcification	Bluecross Idaho	2026-09-01
Intracoronary Drug Delivery Balloon Procedures	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island	2026-09-01
Cardiac Imaging Guidelines	evicore	2026-09-01
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Stroke Prevention	Ambetter Georgia	2026-08-26

HCPCS C1713: Anchor/Screw for Bone or Soft Tissue Fixation (Implantable)

HCPCS-C1714-TRANSLUMINAL-DIRECTIONAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

HCPCS C1714: Catheter, transluminal atherectomy, directional

HCPCS-C1715-BRACHYTHERAPY-NEEDLE

HCPCS C1715: Brachytherapy Needle

HCPCS-C1716-BRACHYTHERAPY-GOLD-198-SOURCE

HCPCS C1716: Brachytherapy Source, Gold-198, Per Source

HCPCS-C1717-HDR-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE

HCPCS C1717: HDR Iridium-192 Brachytherapy Source, Per Source

HCPCS-C1719-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE-NON-STRANDED

HCPCS C1719: Brachytherapy Source, Iridium-192, Non-Stranded

HCPCS-C1721-IMPLANTABLE-DUAL-CHAMBER-CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR

HCPCS C1721: Cardioverter-Defibrillator, Dual Chamber (Implantable)

HCPCS-C1724-ROTATIONAL-TRANSLUMINAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

HCPCS Level II C1724: Rotational Transluminal Atherectomy Catheter

HCPCS-C1725-TRANSLUMINAL-ANGIOPLASTY-CATHETER-NON-LASER

HCPCS Level II C1725: Transluminal Angioplasty Catheter, Non-Laser

HCPCS-C1726-NON-VASCULAR-BALLOON-DILATATION-CATHETER

HCPCS C1726: Catheter, Balloon Dilatation, Non-Vascular

Showing 1–10 of 603

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`66982`	Complex cataract surgery with instrumentation requiring iris manipulation or surgical techniques (eg, major complications)	Performed when cataract removal with complex capsular or iris work is required concurrently with iris prosthesis implantation.
`66984`	Standard cataract surgery (phacoemulsification)	Performed before or during prosthesis placement when lens removal and intraocular lens implantation are part of the combined procedure.
`67904`	Repair of traumatic iridodialysis or sphincter repair	Performed for iris repair procedures that may be combined with or precede prosthetic iris insertion.
`0416T`	Insertion of intraocular prosthesis, iris or pupil prosthesis (for reporting some technologies) — Category III code example	May be used by some practices or payors for specific prosthetic iris technologies when applicable; check payer guidance.
`65778`	Keratoprosthesis (implantation)	Performed in rare complex cases when corneal replacement and iris prosthesis are combined during reconstruction.

Related Modifiers

8 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
53	Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…	- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
54	Modifier ‑54 (“Surgical care only”) is appended to a CPT surgical procedure when the reporting surgeon performs the intraoperative (surgical) component but does not furnish the preoperative and/or…	- Use modifier -54 when the reporting surgeon provided only the intraoperative (surgical) component of a procedure and preoperative and/or postoperative management has been or will be provided by…
55	Modifier –55 indicates the billing provider furnished only postoperative management for a procedure that has a global surgical period. According to AAPC, this modifier is appended to the same CPT…	- Use modifier -55 when billing the same CPT surgical code that has a 10- or 90-day global period and you, as a provider other than the original surgeon, furnished ONLY postoperative management (no…
56	Modifier ‑56 indicates the reporting provider furnished only the preoperative management for a surgical procedure and did not perform the intraoperative or postoperative care. It is used in…	- Use Modifier -56 when a provider performs only the preoperative management in a split‑care situation (one physician manages preop care while a different physician performs the intraoperative…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
207X00000X	Orthopaedic Surgery Physician	An orthopaedic surgeon is trained in the preservation, investigation and restoration of the form and function of the extremities, spine and associated…
363L00000X	Nurse Practitioner	(1) A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision mak…
2086S0105X	Surgery of the Hand (Surgery) Physician	A surgeon with expertise in the investigation, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical and rehabilitative means, of all structures of the up…
101YS0200X	School Counselor	Behavioral Health & Social Service Providers · Counselor
3336C0004X	Compounding Pharmacy	A pharmacy that specializes in the preparation of components into a drug preparation as the result of a Practitioner's Prescription Drug Order or init…
163WC1600X	Continuing Education/Staff Development Registered Nurse	Nursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse
2086X0206X	Surgical Oncology Physician	A surgical oncologist is a well-qualified surgeon who has obtained additional training and experience in the multidisciplinary approach to the prevent…
163WH0200X	Home Health Registered Nurse	Nursing Service Providers · Registered Nurse

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Cardiology1 / 3

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Cardiac Computed Tomography (CCT)/Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography (CCTA)	univerahealthcare	2026-10-15
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Biomarkers for Myocardial Infarction and Chronic Heart Failure	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Multiple Procedure Payment Reduction for Diagnostic Cardiovascular Procedures	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Maine	2026-10-01
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	blue cross blue shield - louisiana	2026-09-15
Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment	Blue Cross Blue Shield - New Mexico	2026-09-04
Computed Tomography to Detect Coronary Artery Calcification	Bluecross Idaho	2026-09-01
Intracoronary Drug Delivery Balloon Procedures	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Rhode Island	2026-09-01
Cardiac Imaging Guidelines	evicore	2026-09-01
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Stroke Prevention	Ambetter Georgia	2026-08-26

HCPCS C1713: Anchor/Screw for Bone or Soft Tissue Fixation (Implantable)

HCPCS-C1714-TRANSLUMINAL-DIRECTIONAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

HCPCS C1714: Catheter, transluminal atherectomy, directional

HCPCS-C1715-BRACHYTHERAPY-NEEDLE

HCPCS C1715: Brachytherapy Needle

HCPCS-C1716-BRACHYTHERAPY-GOLD-198-SOURCE

HCPCS C1716: Brachytherapy Source, Gold-198, Per Source

HCPCS-C1717-HDR-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE

HCPCS C1717: HDR Iridium-192 Brachytherapy Source, Per Source

HCPCS-C1719-BRACHYTHERAPY-IRIDIUM-192-SOURCE-NON-STRANDED

HCPCS C1719: Brachytherapy Source, Iridium-192, Non-Stranded

HCPCS-C1721-IMPLANTABLE-DUAL-CHAMBER-CARDIOVERTER-DEFIBRILLATOR

HCPCS C1721: Cardioverter-Defibrillator, Dual Chamber (Implantable)

HCPCS-C1724-ROTATIONAL-TRANSLUMINAL-ATHERECTOMY-CATHETER

HCPCS Level II C1724: Rotational Transluminal Atherectomy Catheter

HCPCS-C1725-TRANSLUMINAL-ANGIOPLASTY-CATHETER-NON-LASER

HCPCS Level II C1725: Transluminal Angioplasty Catheter, Non-Laser

HCPCS-C1726-NON-VASCULAR-BALLOON-DILATATION-CATHETER

HCPCS C1726: Catheter, Balloon Dilatation, Non-Vascular

Showing 1–10 of 603

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

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HCPCS C1839: Iris Prosthesis

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OpenPayer

HCPCS C1839: Iris Prosthesis

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

References

HCPCS C1839: Iris Prosthesis

Sign up for hcpcs C1839 policy alerts

HCPCS C1839: Iris Prosthesis

Sign up for hcpcs C1839 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What does HCPCS C1839 represent and in what setting is it typically used?

Which CPT or Category III codes are commonly reported alongside C1839?

What diagnoses and clinical scenarios commonly indicate need for an iris prosthesis (C1839)?

What does the perioperative and postoperative care pathway look like for a patient receiving C1839?

Which payers are listed for C1839 and where can I find coverage or reimbursement details?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What does HCPCS C1839 represent and in what setting is it typically used?

Which CPT or Category III codes are commonly reported alongside C1839?

What diagnoses and clinical scenarios commonly indicate need for an iris prosthesis (C1839)?

What does the perioperative and postoperative care pathway look like for a patient receiving C1839?

Which payers are listed for C1839 and where can I find coverage or reimbursement details?

References