68720 Create tear sacral drainage
Also known as: dacryocystorhinostomy, DCR bypass, lacrimal bypass
Creation of nasolacrimal duct drainage by bypass procedure (dacryocystorhinostomy) for chronic obstruction.
In Plain Language
creating new tear drain pathway; bypassing blocked tear duct
Clinical Context
Used for chronic nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Common indications include chronic dacryocystitis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, or failed probing.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 9.71 |
| Total RVU | 9.71 |
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 90-day global period, which includes the day of the procedure, 1 day preoperative, and 90 days of postoperative care. Ensure the diagnosis code (ICD-10) supports medical necessity for the procedure.
How This Code Compares
With a work RVU of 9.71, this code ranks in the 57th percentile among Surgery codes — 1.2x the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 68720?
CPT 68720 (Create tear sacral drainage) is a Surgery code. Creation of nasolacrimal duct drainage by bypass procedure (dacryocystorhinostomy) for chronic obstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 68720?
The work RVU for CPT 68720 is 9.71. This code is primarily used by Ophthalmology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 68720 used?
Used for chronic nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Common indications include chronic dacryocystitis, nasolacrimal duct obstruction, or failed probing.
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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.