66179 Aqueous shunt eye without graft
Also known as: aqueous shunt without graft, tube shunt, glaucoma implant
Aqueous shunt to subconjunctival space without provision for filtration bleb; does not include implantation of graft material.
In Plain Language
placing tube to drain eye fluid to surface
Clinical Context
Aqueous shunt implant for glaucoma without tissue graft. Primary drainage to subconjunctival space.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 13.65 |
| Total RVU | 13.65 |
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 13.65, 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 66179?
CPT 66179 (Aqueous shunt eye without graft) is a Surgery code. Aqueous shunt to subconjunctival space without provision for filtration bleb; does not include implantation of graft material.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 66179?
The work RVU for CPT 66179 is 13.65. This code is primarily used by glaucoma surgery. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 66179 used?
Aqueous shunt implant for glaucoma without tissue graft. Primary drainage to subconjunctival space.
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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.