Ophthalmology and Optometry Coding Alert

Code 65756 (Keratoplasty [corneal implant]; endothelial) allows coders to specifically describe the relatively new EK procedures, deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) and Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK -- sometimes known as DSAEK, for "Descemet's automated stripping endothelial keratoplasty"). These are new alternatives to the full-thickness corneal transplant, or penetrating keratoplasty (PK), procedures (65730-65755).

Instead of removing a "button" of tissue including the healthy stromal and surface epithelial layers, DLEK and DSEK surgeries only remove the diseased endothelial layer tissue, replacing it with a harvested graft, according to information found on the Web site www.dlek-dsek.com.  Also, unlike the full-thickness PK or anterior lamellar transplants, EK procedures are sutureless.