How To Use CPT Code 68371

CPT 68371 describes the procedure of harvesting a conjunctival allograft from a living donor for use on another patient. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 68371?

CPT 68371 can be used to describe the surgical procedure in which a healthcare provider harvests a conjunctival allograft from a living donor. This allograft can then be used on another patient for various purposes, such as repairing symblepharon or other conjunctival defects.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 68371 is: ‘Harvesting conjunctival allograft, living donor.’

3. Procedure

1. After preparing and anesthetizing the patient, the healthcare provider inserts an eyelid speculum to ensure clear access to the surgical site.
2. Using an operating microscope, the provider marks the donor site and injects a solution to raise the conjunctiva.
3. Next, the provider makes an incision and performs blunt dissection to the appropriate depth.
4. Using a sharp blade or scissors, the provider carefully removes the conjunctival allograft.
5. The harvested graft is then placed in a suitable container with a preservation solution.
6. The provider advances and anchors the conjunctiva using sutures.
7. Finally, the provider removes the eyelid speculum and applies antibiotics and steroids to promote healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 68371 is performed when a healthcare provider needs to harvest a conjunctival allograft from a living donor for use on another patient. This procedure is typically used for repairing symblepharon or other conjunctival defects. It is important to note that this code only covers the harvesting of the allograft and does not include the placement of the graft.

5. When to use CPT code 68371

CPT code 68371 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the specific procedure of harvesting a conjunctival allograft from a living donor. It is important to ensure that the procedure is accurately documented and meets the requirements outlined in the official description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 68371, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the procedure and the specific conjunctival defect being addressed
• Details of the surgical technique used for harvesting the allograft
• Date of the procedure and the duration of the surgery
• Any additional procedures performed in conjunction with the allograft harvesting
• Preservation method used for the harvested graft
• Post-operative care instructions and medications prescribed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 68371, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific requirements outlined in the official description. This code should not be reported if the provider also performs the placement of the graft, as a different code should be used in that case. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or relevant coding authorities.

8. Historical information

CPT 68371 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2004. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider harvesting a conjunctival allograft from a living donor to repair symblepharon in a patient.
2. A surgeon performing the procedure of harvesting a conjunctival allograft for use in reconstructive surgery on a patient’s eye.
3. A specialist using CPT 68371 to document the harvesting of a conjunctival allograft for a patient with a conjunctival defect.
4. A healthcare provider performing the procedure of harvesting a conjunctival allograft from a living donor to address a patient’s ocular surface disorder.
5. A surgeon using CPT code 68371 to describe the harvesting of a conjunctival allograft for use in a patient’s corneal transplantation surgery.
6. A healthcare provider documenting the procedure of harvesting a conjunctival allograft from a living donor for use in a patient’s oculoplastic surgery.
7. A specialist performing the procedure of harvesting a conjunctival allograft to repair a patient’s conjunctival defect caused by trauma.
8. A surgeon using CPT 68371 to describe the harvesting of a conjunctival allograft for use in a patient’s pterygium excision surgery.
9. A healthcare provider documenting the procedure of harvesting a conjunctival allograft from a living donor for use in a patient’s corneal ulcer treatment.
10. A specialist performing the procedure of harvesting a conjunctival allograft to address a patient’s conjunctival scarring.