How To Use CPT Code 68840

CPT 68840 describes the procedure of probing the lacrimal canaliculi, with or without irrigation. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 68840?

CPT 68840 is used to describe the probing of the lacrimal canaliculi, which is the communication route from the punctum to the nasolacrimal sac. This procedure may or may not involve irrigation and is performed by a physician after administering local anesthesia. The physician inserts a probe into the canaliculi to assess and treat any blockages or abnormalities.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 68840 is: ‘Probing of lacrimal canaliculi, with or without irrigation.’

3. Procedure

1. After administering local anesthesia, the physician inserts a probe into the lacrimal canaliculi.
2. The physician performs a probing to assess and treat any blockages or abnormalities.
3. If necessary, irrigation may be performed to flush out any debris or obstructions.
4. The physician may modify the procedure based on their clinical judgment and the specific needs of the patient.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 68840 is typically performed on patients who have issues with their lacrimal canaliculi, such as blockages or abnormalities. The procedure is performed by a physician and may or may not involve irrigation. The physician determines the need for the procedure based on their clinical assessment of the patient’s condition.

5. When to use CPT code 68840

CPT code 68840 should be used when a physician performs the probing of the lacrimal canaliculi, with or without irrigation. It is important to accurately document the procedure and any additional services provided to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 68840, the physician must document the following information:

• Indication for the procedure
• Details of the procedure performed, including whether irrigation was involved
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any additional services provided during the same encounter
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 68840, ensure that the procedure was performed by a physician and that the documentation supports the use of this code. It is important to follow the specific guidelines of the payer and use any necessary modifiers, such as bilateral modifiers, if applicable. Be aware of any local coverage determinations that may affect the reimbursement for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 68840 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 physician performs probing of the lacrimal canaliculi, with irrigation, to treat a patient with chronic tear duct blockage.
2. After administering local anesthesia, a physician probes the lacrimal canaliculi without irrigation to assess and treat a patient with recurrent eye infections.
3. A physician performs probing of the lacrimal canaliculi, with irrigation, on both eyes of a patient with congenital lacrimal duct obstruction.
4. During a routine eye examination, a physician identifies a partial blockage in the lacrimal canaliculi and performs probing without irrigation to clear the obstruction.
5. A physician performs probing of the lacrimal canaliculi, with irrigation, on a patient with chronic dry eye syndrome.
6. After administering local anesthesia, a physician probes the lacrimal canaliculi without irrigation to assess and treat a patient with a history of recurrent eye discharge.
7. A physician performs probing of the lacrimal canaliculi, with irrigation, on a patient with a history of tear duct infections.
8. During a follow-up visit, a physician performs probing without irrigation to assess the effectiveness of a previous lacrimal canaliculi procedure.
9. A physician performs probing of the lacrimal canaliculi, with irrigation, on a patient with a recent eye injury.
10. After administering local anesthesia, a physician probes the lacrimal canaliculi without irrigation to assess and treat a patient with chronic eye irritation.