How To Use CPT Code 68841

CPT 68841 describes the insertion of a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus, along with punctal dilation if necessary. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 68841?

CPT 68841 is used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider inserts a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus of the eye. This implant is designed to deliver a controlled rate of medication to treat conditions such as inflammation, glaucoma, or other eye-related issues. The provider may also perform punctal dilation if necessary to ensure the implant can be inserted properly.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 68841 is: ‘Insertion of drug-eluting implant, including punctal dilation when performed, into lacrimal canaliculus, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient for the procedure, typically by administering local anesthesia to numb the area.
2. An ocular speculum is placed to hold the patient’s eyelids open, providing better access to the lacrimal canaliculus.
3. The provider examines the punctum, which is the opening into the lacrimal canaliculus, to determine if it needs dilation.
4. If the punctum is too narrow to accept the implant, the provider performs punctal dilation to widen the opening.
5. Once the punctum is prepared, the provider inserts the drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus.
6. After the implant is in place, the provider may administer a topical antibiotic to the eye and apply an eye patch if necessary.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 68841 is used when a drug-eluting implant is inserted into the lacrimal canaliculus, along with punctal dilation if necessary. This procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as inflammation, glaucoma, or other eye-related issues. It is important to note that the drug-eluting implant should be reported separately with code 99070 or the appropriate supply code.

5. When to use CPT code 68841

CPT code 68841 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the insertion of a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus, along with punctal dilation if necessary. This code should be reported for each individual implant insertion procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 68841, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the drug-eluting implant
• Details of the punctal dilation procedure, if performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or medications administered during the same visit
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 68841, ensure that the procedure involves the insertion of a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus, along with punctal dilation if necessary. It is important to report the drug-eluting implant separately with code 99070 or the appropriate supply code. Take note of any specific guidelines or requirements from the payer regarding the reporting of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 68841 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2022. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider inserts a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus of a patient with chronic inflammation in the eye.
2. During a procedure, a provider performs punctal dilation and inserts a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus to treat glaucoma in a patient.
3. A patient with a specific eye condition undergoes a procedure in which a drug-eluting implant is inserted into the lacrimal canaliculus.
4. A healthcare provider performs punctal dilation and inserts a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus of a patient with an eye-related disorder.
5. During a procedure, a provider inserts a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus to treat inflammation in a patient’s eye.
6. A patient with a history of glaucoma undergoes a procedure in which a drug-eluting implant is inserted into the lacrimal canaliculus.
7. A healthcare provider performs punctal dilation and inserts a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus of a patient with a specific eye condition.
8. During a procedure, a provider inserts a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus to treat an eye-related disorder in a patient.
9. A patient with chronic inflammation in the eye undergoes a procedure in which a drug-eluting implant is inserted into the lacrimal canaliculus.
10. A healthcare provider performs punctal dilation and inserts a drug-eluting implant into the lacrimal canaliculus of a patient with glaucoma.