How To Use CPT Code 68440

CPT 68440 describes a procedure known as snip incision of the lacrimal punctum, which involves making a small incision in the opening that drains tears from the conjunctival sac into the lacrimal duct in the eye. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 68440?

CPT 68440 is a code used to describe a specific procedure performed by a healthcare provider. It involves making a small incision in the lacrimal punctum, which is the opening that allows tears to drain from the conjunctival sac into the lacrimal duct in the eye. This procedure is also known as punctoplasty and is performed to treat punctal stenosis, a condition in which the punctal opening narrows due to inflammation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 68440 is: ‘Snip incision of lacrimal punctum.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing CPT 68440, the healthcare provider begins by preparing and anesthetizing the patient.
2. Next, the provider attempts to dilate the lacrimal punctum by occluding it with a probe.
3. Once the punctum is occluded, the provider uses a scissor to create a small incision, or snip, through the punctum.
4. This procedure aims to treat punctal stenosis, a condition in which the punctal opening narrows due to inflammation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 68440 is typically performed on patients who have punctal stenosis, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the punctal opening due to inflammation. This procedure is intended to alleviate the symptoms associated with punctal stenosis and improve the drainage of tears from the eye. It is important to note that this procedure should only be performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary training and expertise in performing punctoplasty.

5. When to use CPT code 68440

CPT code 68440 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a snip incision of the lacrimal punctum to treat punctal stenosis. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. This code should not be used for any other procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 68440, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of punctal stenosis
• Details of the procedure performed, including the snip incision of the lacrimal punctum
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or findings
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 68440, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The healthcare provider should also follow any additional billing guidelines provided by the payer. It is important to accurately report the procedure code and any applicable modifiers to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 68440 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a snip incision of the lacrimal punctum to treat punctal stenosis in a patient.
2. During the procedure, the provider carefully makes a small incision in the lacrimal punctum to improve tear drainage.
3. A patient with punctal stenosis undergoes a snip incision of the lacrimal punctum to alleviate symptoms and improve tear flow.
4. A qualified healthcare provider performs punctoplasty by creating a snip incision in the lacrimal punctum of a patient with punctal stenosis.
5. Using precise techniques, a healthcare provider performs a snip incision of the lacrimal punctum to treat punctal stenosis in a patient.
6. A patient with punctal stenosis undergoes a snip incision of the lacrimal punctum to improve tear drainage and alleviate symptoms.
7. A healthcare provider performs a snip incision of the lacrimal punctum to address punctal stenosis in a patient.
8. During the procedure, the provider carefully makes a small incision in the lacrimal punctum to improve tear flow and alleviate symptoms.
9. A patient with punctal stenosis undergoes a snip incision of the lacrimal punctum to enhance tear drainage and alleviate discomfort.
10. A qualified healthcare provider performs punctoplasty by creating a snip incision in the lacrimal punctum of a patient with punctal stenosis.