How To Use CPT Code 68750

CPT 68750 describes a surgical procedure known as conjunctivorhinostomy, which involves creating a passageway between the conjunctiva and the nasal cavity. This article will provide an overview of CPT code 68750, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 68750?

CPT 68750 is a code used to describe a surgical procedure called conjunctivorhinostomy. This procedure involves the creation of a tract or passageway between the conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that covers the eye) and the nasal cavity. During the procedure, a tube or stent is inserted into the tract to keep it open. Conjunctivorhinostomy is typically performed to treat excessive tearing caused by a blockage of the tear ducts by a fleshy growth in the corner of the eye.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 68750 is: ‘Conjunctivorhinostomy (fistulization of conjunctiva to nasal cavity); with insertion of tube or stent.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by making an incision in the skin in the medial canthal area, extending it to the orbital rim.
2. Next, the provider exposes the bone below the medial canthus and along the orbital rim.
3. A hole is drilled into the nasal bone.
4. The provider then elevates flaps from the conjunctival mucosa and sutures them to the mucosa of the nose, creating a tract between the conjunctiva and the nasal cavity.
5. A tube or stent is inserted through the tract to keep it open.
6. The provider checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and observes the patient for a short period before releasing them.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Conjunctivorhinostomy is typically performed on patients who have a complete blockage of the punctum and canaliculi (tear ducts) due to a fleshy growth in the corner of the eye. This procedure is appropriate for patients experiencing excessive tearing as a result of this blockage. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare professional who is trained in performing conjunctivorhinostomy.

5. When to use CPT code 68750

CPT code 68750 should be used when a conjunctivorhinostomy procedure is performed, specifically when a tract is created between the conjunctiva and the nasal cavity and a tube or stent is inserted to keep the tract open. This code should not be used if the procedure does not involve the insertion of a tube or stent. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of CPT code 68750.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 68750, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for conjunctivorhinostomy
• Details of the procedure, including the creation of the tract and insertion of the tube or stent
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information, such as complications or follow-up care
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 68750, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. The procedure must involve the creation of a tract between the conjunctiva and the nasal cavity, with the insertion of a tube or stent. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines. It is recommended to review the specific billing guidelines for CPT code 68750 to ensure accurate reporting and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 68750 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 patient undergoes conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a tube to treat excessive tearing caused by a blockage of the tear ducts.
2. A provider performs conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a stent to create a passageway between the conjunctiva and the nasal cavity.
3. A patient with a fleshy growth in the corner of the eye undergoes conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a tube to alleviate tearing.
4. A provider performs conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a stent to treat a complete blockage of the punctum and canaliculi.
5. A patient with persistent tearing undergoes conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a tube to improve tear drainage.
6. A provider performs conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a stent to address excessive tearing caused by a fleshy growth in the corner of the eye.
7. A patient with a blockage of the tear ducts undergoes conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a tube to alleviate tearing.
8. A provider performs conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a stent to create a passageway between the conjunctiva and the nasal cavity.
9. A patient with a fleshy growth in the corner of the eye undergoes conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a tube to treat excessive tearing.
10. A provider performs conjunctivorhinostomy with the insertion of a stent to address a complete blockage of the punctum and canaliculi.