Choose the Correct Chalazion Excision Codes
Question: I have an operative note for chalazion excisions. The patient presented with three chalazions — one on the right upper eyelid and two on the left upper eyelid. How should I report the procedure? Idaho Subscriber Answer: The CPT® code set features four codes to report excisions of chalazions. According to a 1999 issue of CPT® Assistant, the chalazion excision codes are unilateral codes. For your case, use 67800 (Excision of chalazion; single) appended with modifier E3 (Upper right, eyelid) to report the chalazion excision on the right upper eyelid. You’ll then assign 67801 (… multiple, same lid) appended with modifier E1 (Upper left, eyelid) to report the excision of two chalazions on the upper left eyelid. Diagnosis codes: In the ICD-10-CM code set, you’ll look to the H00.1- (Chalazion) code subcategory to select the appropriate codes. Use H00.11 (Chalazion right upper eyelid) for the upper right eyelid chalazion and assign H00.14 (Chalazion left upper eyelid) to report the chalazions on the upper left eyelid. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
