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The procedure described by CPT® Code 68505 involves the excision of part of the lacrimal gland, specifically referred to as a dacryoadenectomy, which is performed for conditions other than the presence of a tumor. 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 the 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 surgery. An incision is made on the temporal aspect 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. Unlike the procedure described in CPT® Code 68500, where the entire gland is removed, CPT® Code 68505 specifically involves the dissection and excision of only a portion of the gland, typically the palpebral lobe. This targeted approach helps to preserve surrounding structures and maintain some gland function if possible. After the excision, the operative wound is meticulously closed in layers to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.
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The excision of the lacrimal gland (dacryoadenectomy) as described by CPT® Code 68505 is indicated for various conditions affecting the lacrimal gland that do not involve a tumor. The following are common indications for this procedure:
The procedure for excising part of the lacrimal gland involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the surgery. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Following the excision of the lacrimal gland, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort in the area, which is typically managed with prescribed pain relief medications. It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare provider, which may include keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing. The expected recovery time can vary, but most patients can resume normal activities within a few days, depending on their individual healing process. Any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, should be reported to a healthcare professional immediately for further evaluation.
| Short Descr | PARTIAL REMOVAL TEAR GLAND | Medium Descr | EXCISION LACRIMAL GLAND XCPT TUMOR PRTL | Long Descr | Excision of lacrimal gland (dacryoadenectomy), except for tumor; partial | 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). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
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| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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