2025 CPT code 70170
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Radiology Procedures - Diagnostic Radiology Radiology Feed
Dacryocystography of the nasolacrimal duct, including radiological supervision and interpretation.
Modifiers 26 (professional component only), 52 (reduced services), and potentially others, depending on the specific circumstances and payer rules.
Dacryocystography is medically necessary when other less invasive methods fail to diagnose the cause of epiphora or to assess the effectiveness of prior surgical interventions.The procedure is justified to rule out nasolacrimal duct obstruction as the cause of excessive tearing and to guide appropriate treatment.
The physician supervises the entire radiological procedure and interprets the findings.This includes overseeing the injection of contrast medium, image acquisition, and the final diagnostic interpretation of the resulting images.
In simple words: This medical code covers an X-ray test of the tear ducts.A special dye is injected into the tear duct, and X-rays are taken to see if there are any blockages causing watery eyes.
This CPT code encompasses the technical and professional components of a dacryocystography procedure involving the nasolacrimal duct.The procedure includes radiological supervision and interpretation of the radiographic images acquired after contrast medium injection via the inferior canaliculus following local anesthesia administration. The physician supervises the entire procedure and interprets the resulting images to diagnose the cause of epiphora (excessive tearing).
Example 1: A patient presents with excessive tearing (epiphora) and a suspected nasolacrimal duct obstruction.Dacryocystography is performed to visualize the duct and identify the location and nature of the obstruction., A patient undergoes a prior unsuccessful surgery to correct a nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Dacryocystography is used to assess the patency of the duct post-surgery and identify any residual blockages., A patient with chronic dacryoadenitis (inflammation of the lacrimal gland) undergoes dacryocystography to rule out nasolacrimal duct obstruction contributing to their symptoms.
* Patient history detailing the symptoms (duration and severity of epiphora).* Physical examination findings related to the lacrimal system.* Radiology report with detailed description of the procedure and findings, including images.* Anesthesia documentation if local anesthesia was used.* Consent form signed by the patient.
** Contrast medium used must be reported separately, if applicable, per payer guidelines.Providers should refer to individual payer policies regarding contrast coverage and supply codes.
- Revenue Code: I1F (STANDARD IMAGING - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The technical component (TC) modifier may apply in specific circumstances.Check payer-specific guidelines.
- Specialties:Ophthalmology, Radiology
- Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgery Center