H04.229 — Epiphora due to insufficient drainage, unspecified side
ICD-10-CM
Prior Authorization
No Prior Auth Required
Code is covered without prior authorization (high confidence)
Documentation Required
- If a provider bills CPT codes that imply stenting (e.g., 68815 with tube/stent insertion), documentation must clarify type of stent; note that the policy states silicone stenting in balloon dacryocystoplasty is considered experimental/investigational and silicone stenting is explicitly noted as 'not covered' in the CPT description context
- For DCR: documentation that the patient has nasolacrimal duct obstruction and has persistent symptoms despite nasolacrimal duct probing (policy phrase: "Dacryocystorhinostomy ... for persons with nasolacrimal duct obstruction with persistent symptoms despite nasolacrimal duct probing").
- For balloon dacryocystoplasty for congenital NLDO: documentation that congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction "cannot be cured by probing" and that the member is over 1 year of age (policy phrase: "congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction that can not be cured by probing (members should be over 1 year of age)").
Key Coverage Criteria
- Balloon dacryocystoplasty (balloon dacryoplasty) for the treatment of: a mucocele of the lacrimal sac.
- Balloon dacryocystoplasty for the treatment of: chronic dacryocystitis or conjunctivitis due to lacrimal sac obstruction.
- Balloon dacryocystoplasty for the treatment of: congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction that can not be cured by probing (members should be over 1 year of age).
- Balloon dacryocystoplasty for the treatment of: epiphora (excessive tearing) due to acquired obstruction within the nasolacrimal sac and duct.
- Balloon dacryocystoplasty for the treatment of: lacrimal sac infection that must be relieved before intra-ocular surgery.
- Dacryocystorhinostomy (including transcanalicular laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy) for persons with nasolacrimal duct obstruction with persistent symptoms despite nasolacrimal duct probing.
1 Active Policy
AETNA-CPB-0420 — Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: Treatments
Related Codes
Have a follow-up question?
Ask Verity about documentation requirements, denial risks, or coverage in your state.