68530 Clearance of tear duct
Also known as: nasolacrimal duct clearance, canaliculus clearance
Clearance or opening of obstructed nasolacrimal duct including canaliculus using probe or other techniques.
In Plain Language
clearing blocked tear duct; opening tear duct
Clinical Context
Used for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Common indications include adult nasolacrimal duct obstruction, partial obstruction, or duct stricture.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 3.61 |
| Total RVU | 3.61 |
Est. Medicare Payment
National estimate based on 2026 CMS PFS Conversion Factor ($33.40). Actual payment varies by locality (GPCI adjustment).
Billing & Documentation
As a surgical CPT code, proper documentation must include the operative report detailing the procedure performed, patient positioning, approach, findings, and any complications. This code has a 10-day global period — follow-up visits within 10 days of the procedure are included in the reimbursement. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 3.61, this code ranks in the 25th percentile among Surgery codes — 2.2x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 68530?
CPT 68530 (Clearance of tear duct) is a Surgery code. Clearance or opening of obstructed nasolacrimal duct including canaliculus using probe or other techniques.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 68530?
The work RVU for CPT 68530 is 3.61. This code is primarily used by Ophthalmology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 68530 used?
Used for nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Common indications include adult nasolacrimal duct obstruction, partial obstruction, or duct stricture.
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CPT® is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association. Data sourced from CMS Physician Fee Schedule RVU26A. Descriptions, synonyms, and clinical context are original content by RVU Edge.