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BETA v.3.0

2025 CPT code 68815

Probing of nasolacrimal duct, with or without irrigation; with insertion of tube or stent.

For bilateral procedures, append modifier 50. Some payers prefer LT and RT modifiers. If the procedure includes transluminal balloon catheter dilation, use 68816 instead. For plastic repair of the canaliculi with cannulation and stent placement, use 68700. If only probing and/or irrigation is performed, use 68810 or 68840, as appropriate. Modifier 58 may be used when both balloon dilation and stent placement are performed at the same operative setting with 68816.

Modifiers applicable to 68815 include:-50 (Bilateral procedure)-LT (Left side)-RT (Right side)-25 (Significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure)

Medical necessity for 68815 must be supported by documentation of persistent symptoms of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, such as excessive tearing (epiphora), mucopurulent discharge, and/or recurrent dacryocystitis (inflammation of the tear sac), despite conservative treatments.

With the patient appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider dilates the lacrimal drainage system. A punctal dilator is inserted medially to dilate the punctum. A probe is inserted into the inferior or superior punctum and advanced until resistance is met. The canaliculus is irrigated with fluorescein-stained saline. Further irrigation may be performed. A stent (silicon intubation) is placed in the narrowed area. The cannula is removed and antibiotics are instilled.

In simple words: This procedure involves inserting a small probe into the tear duct to check for blockages. The doctor may also flush the duct with fluid. If there's a blockage, a small tube or stent is placed in the tear duct to keep it open.

The provider probes the nasolacrimal duct to identify a possible obstruction or stricture.Irrigation of the duct may or may not be performed. A tube or stent is inserted to maintain patency of the nasolacrimal duct.

Example 1: A 2-year-old child with persistent tearing and discharge from one eye is brought to the ophthalmologist. After examination, a diagnosis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction is made. Probing of the nasolacrimal duct with stent insertion (68815) is performed under general anesthesia., A 6-month-old infant has excessive tearing in both eyes since birth.The pediatrician refers the infant to an ophthalmologist who diagnoses bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The ophthalmologist performs probing of the nasolacrimal ducts with stent placement bilaterally (68815-50)., An adult patient with a history of chronic dacryocystitis (inflammation of the tear sac) presents with epiphora (excessive tearing).Conservative treatments have failed. The ophthalmologist performs nasolacrimal duct probing with insertion of a stent (68815) to relieve the obstruction and restore normal tear drainage.

Documentation should include the diagnosis, the procedure performed (probing, irrigation, stent insertion), the location (which eye and side, if bilateral), anesthesia used, any complications, and post-procedure instructions.

  • Global Days: 10 days
  • Specialties:Ophthalmology
  • Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital
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