68745 Create tear duct drainage
Also known as: conjunctival bypass, canalicular bypass
Creation of lacrimal-conjunctival drainage bypass (conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy) for tear duct obstruction.
In Plain Language
creating tear drainage from eye surface; bypass tear duct obstruction
Clinical Context
Used for nasolacrimal or canalicular obstruction when standard DCR not possible. Common indications include canalicular obstruction, eyelid cicatricial disease, or failed DCR.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 9.65 |
| Total RVU | 9.65 |
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 9.65, 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 68745?
CPT 68745 (Create tear duct drainage) is a Surgery code. Creation of lacrimal-conjunctival drainage bypass (conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy) for tear duct obstruction.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 68745?
The work RVU for CPT 68745 is 9.65. This code is primarily used by Ophthalmology. It has a 90-day global period.
When is CPT 68745 used?
Used for nasolacrimal or canalicular obstruction when standard DCR not possible. Common indications include canalicular obstruction, eyelid cicatricial disease, or failed DCR.
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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.