66170 Glaucoma surgery
Also known as: trabeculectomy with ciliary body recession, trabeculectomy
Trabeculectomy ab externo; with recession of ciliary body.
In Plain Language
glaucoma surgery involving ciliary body adjustment
Clinical Context
Trabeculectomy with ciliary body recession for complicated glaucoma. Rarely performed variant.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 13.59 |
| Total RVU | 13.59 |
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 13.59, this code ranks in the 69th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.7x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 66170?
CPT 66170 (Glaucoma surgery) is a Surgery code. Trabeculectomy ab externo; with recession of ciliary body.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 66170?
The work RVU for CPT 66170 is 13.59. This code is primarily used by glaucoma surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 66170 used?
Trabeculectomy with ciliary body recession for complicated glaucoma. Rarely performed variant.
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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.