68760 Close tear duct opening
Also known as: punctal closure, punctal plug, canalicular closure
Closure of lacrimal punctum or canaliculus opening using suture, adhesive, or surgical closure technique.
In Plain Language
closing tear drain opening; blocking tear drainage
Clinical Context
Used to reduce tear drainage in conditions with excessive tear loss. Common indications include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, or treatment of dry eye.
RVU Breakdown
| Work RVU | 1.74 |
| Total RVU | 1.74 |
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 1.74, this code ranks in the 11th percentile among Surgery codes — 4.6x below the median (8.00). The highest wRVU in this category is 106.19.
Specialties
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPT code 68760?
CPT 68760 (Close tear duct opening) is a Surgery code. Closure of lacrimal punctum or canaliculus opening using suture, adhesive, or surgical closure technique.
What is the wRVU value for CPT 68760?
The work RVU for CPT 68760 is 1.74. This code is primarily used by Ophthalmology. It has a 10-day global period.
When is CPT 68760 used?
Used to reduce tear drainage in conditions with excessive tear loss. Common indications include Stevens-Johnson syndrome, graft-versus-host disease, or treatment of dry eye.
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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.