How To Use CPT Code 68850

CPT 68850 describes the injection of contrast material for dacryocystography, a radiographic imaging procedure of the tear duct. 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 68850?

CPT 68850 is used to describe the injection of contrast material into the tear duct to enhance radiographic imaging. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider after appropriate preparation and anesthesia of the patient. The provider dilates the lower punctum to locate the blockage precisely and then inserts a catheter into the opening of the lacrimal duct. Using a syringe attached to the catheter, the provider injects the contrast material.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 68850 is the injection of contrast material for dacryocystography, a radiographic imaging procedure of the lacrimal duct (tear duct). It is important to note that for radiological supervision and interpretation, separate codes should be used (70170 for dacryocystography, nasolacrimal duct, radiological supervision and interpretation, and 78660 for radiopharmaceutical dacryocystography).

3. Procedure

1. The patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider dilates the lower punctum to identify the exact location of the blockage.
3. A catheter is inserted into the opening of the lacrimal duct.
4. The provider uses a syringe attached to the catheter to inject contrast material.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 68850 is performed when there is a need to enhance radiographic imaging of the lacrimal duct. The patient must be appropriately prepped and anesthetized for the procedure. The provider must have identified a blockage in the tear duct and determined that the injection of contrast material is necessary to improve visibility during the imaging process.

5. When to use CPT code 68850

CPT code 68850 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the injection of contrast material for dacryocystography. It is important to note that this code should only be used for the injection of contrast material and not for radiological supervision and interpretation, which requires separate codes.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 68850, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s preparation and anesthesia
• Identification of the blockage in the tear duct
• Use of a catheter for the injection
• Type and amount of contrast material injected

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 68850, ensure that the injection of contrast material is performed by a qualified healthcare provider. It is important to use the appropriate codes for radiological supervision and interpretation, as mentioned earlier. CPT code 68850 should not be reported with other codes for dacryocystography.

8. Historical information

CPT 68850 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider injects contrast material into the tear duct of a patient to enhance radiographic imaging.
2. During dacryocystography, a catheter is inserted into the lacrimal duct, and contrast material is injected by a provider.
3. A patient undergoes an injection of contrast material for dacryocystography to improve visibility during the imaging procedure.
4. A healthcare provider performs the injection of contrast material into the tear duct for radiographic imaging.
5. Contrast material is injected into the lacrimal duct by a provider to enhance the visualization of the tear duct during dacryocystography.
6. A patient receives an injection of contrast material for dacryocystography to aid in the radiographic imaging of the lacrimal duct.
7. During the procedure, a catheter is used to inject contrast material into the tear duct for enhanced radiographic imaging.
8. A healthcare provider administers the injection of contrast material into the lacrimal duct to improve visibility during dacryocystography.
9. Contrast material is forcibly instilled into the tear duct by a provider to enhance radiographic imaging.
10. A patient undergoes the injection of contrast material for dacryocystography to facilitate the radiographic imaging of the lacrimal duct.