65730 Corneal transplant
Also known as: penetrating keratoplasty, full thickness corneal transplant, corneal graft
Corneal transplant; penetrating keratoplasty, initial graft.
In Plain Language
full thickness cornea transplant; replacing entire corneal thickness with donor tissue
Clinical Context
Full-thickness corneal transplant for corneal scarring, dystrophy, keratoconus, or failed previous graft. Gold standard for many corneal opacities, though rejection rates higher than lamellar.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 15.94 |
| Total RVU | 15.94 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 15.94, this code ranks in the 75th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.0x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 65730?
CPT 65730 (Corneal transplant) is a Surgery code. Corneal transplant; penetrating keratoplasty, initial graft.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 65730?
The work RVU for CPT 65730 is 15.94. This code is primarily used by corneal surgery, transplant surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 65730 used?
Full-thickness corneal transplant for corneal scarring, dystrophy, keratoconus, or failed previous graft. Gold standard for many corneal opacities, though rejection rates higher than lamellar.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.