2025 CPT code 68850
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Eye and Ocular Adnexa Surgery Feed
Injection of contrast medium for dacryocystography.
Modifiers may be applicable to 68850 to indicate specific circumstances, such as bilateral procedures (modifier 50), repeat procedures (modifier 76), or discontinued procedures (modifiers 73 or 74).Modifier 22 (Increased Procedural Services) can be used if the procedure was significantly more complex than usual. Other modifiers may be relevant depending on the specific payer policies and clinical scenario.
Medical necessity for 68850 must be supported by documentation of signs and symptoms indicative of lacrimal system dysfunction, such as excessive tearing (epiphora), recurrent infections, or pain and swelling near the tear duct.
The physician is responsible for preparing and anesthetizing the patient, dilating the punctum, inserting the catheter, and injecting the contrast material.
In simple words: The doctor injects a special dye into your tear duct to make it easier to see on an X-ray. This helps them find any blockages or problems with your tear ducts.
This code represents the injection of contrast material into the lacrimal duct (tear duct) for dacryocystography, a radiological procedure to visualize the tear drainage system.It involves dilating the lower punctum (tear duct opening), inserting a catheter, and injecting contrast via a syringe. This procedure helps identify blockages or other abnormalities in the tear ducts. Radiological supervision and interpretation are reported separately with codes 70170 and 78660.
Example 1: A patient presents with excessive tearing and suspicion of a blocked tear duct. Dacryocystography with contrast injection (68850) is performed to pinpoint the location of the blockage., An infant has persistent tearing and discharge from one eye. The ophthalmologist performs contrast dacryocystography (68850) to evaluate the tear drainage system., Following trauma to the face, a patient experiences difficulty with tear drainage. 68850 is used for the injection of contrast during dacryocystography to assess for damage to the lacrimal system.
Documentation should include the reason for the procedure, details of the injection process, and any findings related to the tear duct anatomy.The medical record should also reflect informed consent obtained from the patient.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Office