Need help choosing the right code?
Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.
Try CasePilot© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 68760 involves the closure of the lacrimal punctum, which is a small opening located at the inner corner of the eyelids that allows tears to drain from the eye into the nasal cavity. This procedure is primarily performed to treat dry eye syndrome, a condition characterized by insufficient tear production or poor tear quality, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the eye surface. To begin the procedure, anesthetic eye drops or other forms of local anesthesia are applied to the conjunctiva, the membrane covering the eye, near the punctum to minimize discomfort during the intervention. The closure of the punctum can be achieved through various methods, including thermocauterization, ligation, or laser surgery. In thermocauterization, an electrocautery device is utilized to burn the punctum, promoting scarring that leads to its closure. Ligation involves the use of sutures to physically close the punctum, while laser surgery entails the application of a laser to destroy the punctal opening. This procedure is distinct from CPT® Code 68761, which involves the placement of a plug in the punctum rather than its closure.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The closure of the lacrimal punctum using CPT® Code 68760 is indicated for the treatment of dry eye syndrome. This condition may arise from various factors, including decreased tear production, increased tear evaporation, or an imbalance in tear composition, leading to symptoms such as irritation, redness, and a sensation of grittiness in the eyes. The procedure aims to reduce tear drainage, thereby increasing tear film stability and providing relief from the discomfort associated with dry eyes.
The procedure for the closure of the lacrimal punctum involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment. First, the patient is positioned comfortably, and anesthetic eye drops or local anesthesia are applied to the conjunctiva near the punctum to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Following anesthesia, the specific method of closure is selected based on the physician's assessment and the patient's needs. If thermocauterization is chosen, the electrocautery device is activated, and the punctum is carefully burned to create scarring, which leads to the closure of the punctum. This method effectively seals the opening by promoting tissue adhesion. Alternatively, if ligation is performed, the physician uses sutures to physically close the punctum, ensuring that it remains sealed. In cases where laser surgery is indicated, the physician activates the laser and directs it to the punctal opening, effectively destroying it to prevent tear drainage. Throughout the procedure, the physician may inspect and assess the punctum to ensure proper closure and address any complications that may arise.
After the closure of the lacrimal punctum, patients may experience some temporary discomfort or irritation, which is typically managed with prescribed eye drops or medications. It is important for patients to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by their healthcare provider, which may include avoiding rubbing the eyes, using artificial tears as needed, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process. The expected recovery time can vary, but most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure. Any signs of complications, such as increased pain, redness, or discharge, should be reported to the physician promptly for further evaluation.
| Short Descr | CLOSE TEAR DUCT OPENING | Medium Descr | CLSR LACRIMAL PUNCTUM THERMOCAUT LIG/LASER | Long Descr | Closure of the lacrimal punctum; by thermocauterization, ligation, or laser surgery | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 010 - Minor Procedure | 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | ASC Payment Indicator | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule) | MUE | 4 | 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). | E2 | Lower left, eyelid | E4 | Lower right, eyelid | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | E3 | Upper right, eyelid | E1 | Upper left, eyelid | 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.) | 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. | 54 | Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number. | 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. | 76 | Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.