How To Use CPT Code 70170

CPT 70170 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation of dacryocystography, a procedure used to diagnose the cause of excessive tearing. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 70170?

CPT 70170 can be used to describe the radiological supervision and interpretation of dacryocystography, a procedure that involves imaging of the lacrimal sacs and ducts. This procedure is performed to help diagnose the cause of excessive tearing, also known as epiphora. The provider administers contrast medium through the inferior canaliculus after local anesthesia, and then performs or supervises the radiographic examination of the tear ducts and sacs.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 70170 is: ‘Dacryocystography, nasolacrimal duct, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider administers local anesthesia to the patient.
2. The provider injects contrast medium through the inferior canaliculus.
3. The provider performs or supervises the radiographic examination of the lacrimal sacs and ducts.
4. The provider interprets the findings of the examination.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 70170 is used when the provider performs or supervises the radiological examination of the lacrimal sacs and ducts using contrast medium. This procedure is typically performed to diagnose the cause of excessive tearing in patients.

5. When to use CPT code 70170

CPT code 70170 should be used when the provider performs or supervises the radiological examination of the lacrimal sacs and ducts using contrast medium. This code is appropriate for cases where the provider is evaluating the cause of excessive tearing in patients.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 70170, the provider must document the following information:

• Administration of local anesthesia
• Injection of contrast medium through the inferior canaliculus
• Performance or supervision of the radiographic examination
• Interpretation of the findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 70170, ensure that the provider performs or supervises the radiological examination of the lacrimal sacs and ducts using contrast medium. This code should be reported separately from any other services provided. Providers may also need to report the supply of contrast medium separately, depending on payer guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 70170 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 radiologist performs and interprets a dacryocystography to diagnose the cause of excessive tearing in a patient.
2. A ophthalmologist supervises the radiographic examination of the lacrimal sacs and ducts using contrast medium to evaluate a patient with epiphora.
3. A radiology technician performs the dacryocystography under the supervision of a radiologist, who then interprets the findings to diagnose the cause of excessive tearing in a patient.
4. A physician administers local anesthesia and injects contrast medium through the inferior canaliculus, while a radiologist performs and interprets the radiographic examination of the lacrimal sacs and ducts.
5. A radiologist performs the dacryocystography and interprets the findings to diagnose the cause of excessive tearing in a patient.
6. A ophthalmologist supervises the radiographic examination of the lacrimal sacs and ducts using contrast medium, and then interprets the findings to diagnose the cause of excessive tearing in a patient.
7. A radiology technician performs the dacryocystography under the supervision of a radiologist, who then interprets the findings to diagnose the cause of excessive tearing in a patient.
8. A physician administers local anesthesia and injects contrast medium through the inferior canaliculus, while a radiologist performs and interprets the radiographic examination of the lacrimal sacs and ducts.
9. A radiologist performs the dacryocystography and interprets the findings to diagnose the cause of excessive tearing in a patient.
10. A ophthalmologist supervises the radiographic examination of the lacrimal sacs and ducts using contrast medium, and then interprets the findings to diagnose the cause of excessive tearing in a patient.