2025 CPT code 68700
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Ophthalmology - Repair Procedures on the Lacrimal System Surgery Feed
Plastic repair of canaliculi laceration, often involving cannulation and stent placement.
Modifiers -LT (left side) and -RT (right side) are commonly used to indicate the affected side. Other modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the service (e.g., -50 for bilateral procedures, -59 for distinct procedural services).
Medical necessity is established by the presence of a clinically significant laceration of the canaliculus impairing tear drainage, leading to symptoms such as epiphora, pain, or infection risk.The repair is necessary to restore normal tear drainage and prevent complications.
The ophthalmologist or qualified surgical specialist is responsible for performing the procedure, including pre-operative assessment, surgical repair, and post-operative monitoring during the global period.
In simple words: This code describes a surgery to fix a cut or tear in the tear duct of the eye. The surgeon will carefully reconnect the torn parts of the duct, using small tools and stitches, and might use a tiny tube to keep the duct open while it heals.
This CPT code encompasses the surgical repair of a lacerated canaliculus (tear duct) of the eye.The procedure typically involves locating the severed ends of the canaliculus using an operating microscope or surgical loupes. A pigtail probe is used to open the passage, followed by stent placement to maintain patency. Suturing aligns and reattaches the severed tissues, and any damage to the medial canthus tendon is also repaired.Hemostasis is confirmed, and the probe is removed. Cannulation may be involved.
Example 1: A patient presents with a complete transection of the right lower canaliculus following a traumatic injury from a lawnmower blade.The surgeon performs a canalicular repair with stent placement (CPT 68700 -RT)., A patient sustains a laceration of the left upper canaliculus in a motor vehicle accident. The surgeon performs a canalicular repair using cannulation and a stent (CPT 68700 -LT)., A patient experiences a partial tear of the medial canthus and a laceration of the right lower canaliculus during a physical altercation.The surgeon performs repair of the canaliculus with concomitant repair of the medial canthus tendon (CPT 68700 -RT).
Preoperative and postoperative photographs, operative report detailing the technique used, and evidence of stent placement (if applicable).
** Accurate documentation is crucial for proper reimbursement.The use of modifiers should be consistent with the service provided and documented.
- Revenue Code: P4E (EYE PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: Consult the CMS Physician Fee Schedule for current RVU values.Reimbursement varies by location and setting.
- Global Days: 90-day global period. Postoperative care within the global period is included.Procedures outside the global period or performed by another physician are billed separately.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: No TC modifier applies to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Consult the CMS Physician Fee Schedule for historical fee data.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient)