Ophthalmic Coding Specialist Practice Test

CPT code 65103 refers to which type of eye surgery?

1. Enucleation of the eye; with implant, muscles not attached

2. Enucleation of the eye; without implant

3. Evisceration of ocular contents

4. Iridotomy per session

The correct answer is: Enucleation of the eye; with implant, muscles not attached

CPT code 65103 specifically describes the procedure for enucleation of the eye with the placement of an implant, and it notably includes the situation where the eye muscles are not attached. Enucleation is the surgical removal of the entire eyeball, and in this case, the procedure involves replacing the removed eye with an artificial implant to provide a more natural appearance and maintain the volume of the orbital socket. This code is important because it indicates not only the removal of the eye but also the complexity of the surgery involved by factoring in the implant, which serves to improve patient outcomes in terms of appearance and potential function. Understanding this procedure is crucial for ophthalmic coding specialists to accurately bill for surgical interventions based on the specifics of the surgery performed. The context of other options illustrates different types of procedures: enucleation without an implant typically emphasizes that no prosthesis is placed, evisceration refers to the removal of the eye's internal contents while leaving the scleral shell intact, and iridotomy pertains to a laser procedure to treat conditions like glaucoma. Each of these has distinct coding implications, underscoring the specificity required in coding ophthalmic procedures.