66984 Extracapsular cataract removal without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation
Also known as: simple cataract extraction, manual expression cataract removal, cataract surgery with IOL, routine cataract, phacoemulsification with IOL, cataract surgery, phacoemulsification
Extracapsular cataract removal without endothelial keratoplasty, where the crystalline lens is removed outside the lens capsule by manual expression or other techniques without replacing the corneal endothelium.
In Plain Language
removal of cloudy lens from eye; extraction of cataract without corneal procedure
Clinical Context
Used for patients with cataracts who do not require intraocular lens implantation or corneal replacement; common in developing countries and for patients declining lens implants.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 7.17 |
| Total RVU | 7.17 |
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 7.17, this code ranks in the 46th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.1x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 66984?
CPT 66984 (Extracapsular cataract removal without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation) is a Surgery code. Extracapsular cataract removal without endothelial keratoplasty, where the crystalline lens is removed outside the lens capsule by manual expression or other techniques without replacing the corneal endothelium.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 66984?
The work RVU for CPT 66984 is 7.17. This code is primarily used by Ophthalmology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 66984 used?
Used for patients with cataracts who do not require intraocular lens implantation or corneal replacement; common in developing countries and for patients declining lens implants.
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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.