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The procedure described by CPT® Code 68500 involves the excision of the lacrimal gland, also known as dacryoadenectomy, specifically for conditions that are not related to tumors. The lacrimal gland is responsible for the production of tears, and its excision may be necessary due to various medical conditions affecting its function or structure. During this procedure, the skin over the eye is first cleansed to maintain a sterile environment. A local anesthetic is then administered to ensure the patient experiences minimal discomfort during the operation. An incision is made on the temporal side of the eye, allowing access to the underlying tissues. The temporal muscle is carefully exposed and retracted laterally, which facilitates the visualization and access to the lacrimal gland. The entire gland is meticulously dissected from the surrounding tissues and removed. This procedure is distinct from CPT® Code 68505, which pertains to the excision of only a portion of the lacrimal gland, typically the palpebral lobe. After the excision, the operative site is closed in layers to promote proper healing and minimize complications.
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The excision of the lacrimal gland (dacryoadenectomy) as described by CPT® Code 68500 is indicated for various conditions affecting the lacrimal gland that are not related to tumors. These indications may include:
The procedure for excising the lacrimal gland involves several critical steps, which are outlined as follows:
Post-procedure care following a dacryoadenectomy involves monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients may experience some swelling and discomfort in the area, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief medications. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to assess healing and ensure that the surgical site is recovering appropriately. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow any specific care instructions provided by their healthcare provider to facilitate optimal recovery.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF TEAR GLAND | Medium Descr | EXCISION LACRIMAL GLAND XCPT TUMOR TOTAL | Long Descr | Excision of lacrimal gland (dacryoadenectomy), except for tumor; total | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P4E - Eye procedure - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 19 - Other therapeutic procedures on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea |
| 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 79 | Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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