2025 CPT code 68810
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Eye and Ocular Adnexa Feed
Probing of nasolacrimal duct, with or without irrigation.
Modifiers are applicable. Common modifiers include -50 (bilateral procedure), -LT (left side), -RT (right side). Some payers may prefer -LT and -RT over -50 for bilateral procedures.
Medical necessity for 68810 is established by the presence of signs and symptoms indicative of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, such as excessive tearing (epiphora), mucopurulent discharge, or recurrent dacryocystitis.Conservative measures, such as warm compresses and massage, may be attempted prior to probing.
After administering local anesthetic, the physician dilates the punctum (opening of the tear duct). A probe is inserted and advanced until resistance is met. The duct may be irrigated with a saline solution containing fluorescein. After the procedure, antibiotics may be instilled.
In simple words: The doctor uses a thin instrument to check your tear duct for any blockages. They might also flush it with a sterile solution.
This code describes a procedure where the physician probes the nasolacrimal duct to check for blockages or narrowing. This may involve irrigating the duct with a saline solution.
Example 1: A 2-month-old infant presents with persistent tearing and discharge from one eye, concerning for congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The ophthalmologist performs probing of the nasolacrimal duct to relieve the obstruction., A 50-year-old patient experiences epiphora (excessive tearing) and recurrent dacryocystitis (inflammation of the tear sac) in the right eye. After conservative treatments fail, the ophthalmologist performs nasolacrimal duct probing to identify and address a potential blockage., A 70-year-old patient with a history of nasolacrimal duct obstruction experiences worsening symptoms.The physician performs probing of the nasolacrimal duct, followed by irrigation to confirm patency and clear any debris.
Documentation should include the reason for the procedure, which eye was treated (or if both were treated), any complications encountered, and the outcome of the procedure.If irrigation was performed, this should be documented as well. The use of anesthesia should also be noted.
** Code 68810 should not be reported in addition to codes 65091-68850. For removal of a foreign body, use codes 65205 and following. Do not confuse 68810 with 68801 (dilation of the lacrimal punctum) or 68840 (probing of lacrimal canaliculi).
- Global Days: 10 days
- Specialties:Ophthalmology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center