CPT code 68550 is for the surgical removal of a lesion from the tear gland.
CPT code 68550 is used to describe a medical procedure involving the removal of a lesion from the tear gland. This code is specifically assigned to surgical operations where a lesion, which could be a tumor, cyst, or other abnormal tissue, is excised from the lacrimal gland, the gland responsible for producing tears. This procedure is typically performed by an ophthalmologist or a specialized surgeon.
For the CPT code 68550, which pertains to the removal of a tear gland lesion, several modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the surgery and billing considerations. Here is an ordered list of potential modifiers and the reasons for their use:
1. -22 (Increased Procedural Services): This modifier is used when the work required to perform the surgery is substantially greater than typically required. This could be due to the lesion's size, depth, or complexity.
2. -50 (Bilateral Procedure): If the procedure is performed on both tear glands during the same operative session, this modifier should be used to indicate a bilateral procedure.
3. -51 (Multiple Procedures): This modifier is used when multiple procedures are performed during the same surgical session. It helps in adjusting the reimbursement for the additional procedures, which are generally paid at a lower rate.
4. -52 (Reduced Services): If the procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the physician's discretion, this modifier indicates that the service provided was less than usually required.
5. -53 (Discontinued Procedure): Applied when a procedure is terminated after the beginning due to extenuating circumstances or those threatening the well-being of the patient.
6. -54 (Surgical Care Only): When one physician performs the surgery and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, this modifier is used.
7. -55 (Postoperative Management Only): Used when one physician performs the postoperative management and another physician performed the surgery.
8. -56 (Preoperative Management Only): Indicates that a physician only provided preoperative care when the surgery was performed by another doctor.
9. -57 (Decision for Surgery): Added when the decision to perform surgery is made during an evaluation and management service that occurs the day before or the day of the surgery.
10. -58 (Staged or Related Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period): This is used when a procedure performed during the postoperative period is staged or related to the initial procedure.
11. -59 (Distinct Procedural Service): Indicates that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other services performed on the same day.
12. -78 (Return to the Operating Room for a Related Procedure During the Postoperative Period): Used when a return to the operating room is required for a complication related to the original procedure.
13. -79 (Unrelated Procedure or Service by the Same Physician During the Postoperative Period): This modifier is used when a new or unrelated procedure is performed by the same physician during the postoperative period of the original operation.
14. -80 (Assistant Surgeon): Used when an assistant surgeon is present to help the primary surgeon during the procedure.
15. -AS (Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, or Clinical Nurse Specialist Services for Assistant at Surgery): This modifier is used specifically for non-physician practitioners assisting in surgery.
Each of these modifiers addresses specific circumstances surrounding the surgical procedure, ensuring accurate documentation and appropriate reimbursement. It's crucial for billing and coding professionals to apply these modifiers correctly based on the details of the surgical event and the roles of different healthcare providers involved.
CPT code 68550, which pertains to the removal of a tear gland lesion, is generally reimbursable by Medicare. However, the exact reimbursement amount can vary based on several factors including the geographic location where the service is provided, the setting (such as hospital outpatient department or an ambulatory surgery center), and the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) policies that apply to the specific region.
To determine the precise reimbursement amount for CPT code 68550, healthcare providers should consult the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) lookup tool available on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. This tool provides detailed information about the reimbursement rates applicable to specific codes based on the locality. Additionally, it's important to verify that all documentation and coding practices align with Medicare's guidelines to ensure compliance and proper reimbursement.
Discover how MD Clarity's RevFind software can enhance your revenue cycle management by accurately detecting underpayments. RevFind is adept at reading your contracts and identifying discrepancies down to the CPT code level, including specific codes like 68550 for removing tear gland lesions. This precision allows you to address underpayments for each individual payer effectively. Schedule a demo today to see how RevFind can help ensure your healthcare organization is fully compensated for the services it provides.
Get paid in full by bringing clarity to your revenue cycle
Subscribe to the
Healthcare Clarified newsletter
Get the latest insights on RCM and healthcare policy in your inbox
