AMA CPT® Assistant - 1993 Issue 2 (Summer)
Strabismus Surgery - (Surgery on Ocular Adnexa - Extraocular Muscles) (Summer 1993)
Summer 1993 pages 20-24 Coding Clarification Strabismus Surgery - (Surgery on Ocular Adnexa - Extraocular Muscles) We continue to receive requests to explain the dramatic changes that occurred to the strabismus surgery codes in 1991. To assist the reader in reporting these codes correctly, this article will discuss the use of the codes in the 67311 - 67345 range. A glossary of terms related to this surgery begins on page 25. Strabismus surgery is an operation of the extraocular muscles. This surgery is performed to realign the eyes so that they are both aimed in the same direction. The...
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Article Overview
This CPT Assistant article reviews how strabismus surgery was coded in the early 1990s and explains the structure of the updated code range for extraocular muscle surgery. It is relevant to ophthalmology surgeons, coders, and billing staff who need to understand how the article organizes initial versus subsequent procedures, add-on services, and bilateral or multiple-procedure reporting concepts.
Why This Topic Matters
Strabismus surgery often involves multiple procedures on one or both eyes, so accurate coding depends on recognizing the procedure category and whether additional reporting elements apply. The article helps readers understand the scope of the code family, the role of add-on codes, and the general reporting framework discussed in the source.
Article Sections
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Coding Clarification
Introduces the topic, the time frame of the coding changes, and the overall scope of the strabismus surgery code family. It also frames the discussion around extraocular muscle surgery and reporting considerations.
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Initial Strabismus Surgery
Covers the general categories of initial procedures on horizontal, vertical, oblique, and related eye muscles. It explains how the article groups the core procedure types before moving into more specialized situations.
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Add-on Codes
Describes the article’s discussion of supplementary strabismus-related services that are reported with a primary procedure. This section introduces code families used to capture additional surgical circumstances.
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Transposition Procedure
Addresses a specialized strabismus surgery category involving muscle transposition and related operative complexity. The section places this service within the broader add-on code discussion.
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Subsequent Strabismus Surgery
Covers procedures performed in the setting of prior surgery, prior injury, scarring, restrictive myopathy, and other complicating factors. It distinguishes these situations from initial operations.
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Strabismus Surgery by Posterior Fixation Suture Technique
Discusses a specialized surgical technique used in selected strabismus cases. The section explains where it fits within the overall surgical reporting framework.
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Surgery Using Adjustable Sutures
Reviews the article’s discussion of adjustable suture use and postoperative adjustment services. It explains how this topic relates to the broader strabismus surgery code set.
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Surgery for Detached or Slipped Muscle
Addresses a repair-oriented strabismus surgery situation involving detached extraocular muscle(s). The section places this uncommon service among the specialized procedures covered by the article.
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Release of Scar Tissue
Covers surgery involving extensive scar tissue in the orbital and extraocular muscle region. It describes this as another specialized circumstance discussed in the article.
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Chemodenervation of Extraocular Muscle
Discusses a nontraditional strabismus treatment option included in the code family review. The section covers the general clinical context and reporting placement of this service.
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Summary
Recaps the overall coding framework discussed in the article, including the use of multiple procedures and add-on services. It reinforces the article’s broad reporting themes without adding new topics.
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Glossary of Terms
Provides a glossary of anatomy and terminology used throughout the article. It supports reader understanding of the surgical and coding discussion.
What You Will Learn
- How the article organizes strabismus surgery into initial, subsequent, and specialized procedure categories
- How the discussion frames reporting of extraocular muscle surgery within a defined CPT code family
- How add-on procedures are presented as part of the broader coding structure
- How the article situates bilateral and multiple-procedure reporting concepts at a high level
- What clinical terminology and anatomical concepts are defined in the glossary
Who Should Read This
- Ophthalmology coders
- Medical billing staff
- Surgeons
- CPT users reviewing ophthalmic procedure coding
- Revenue cycle staff
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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