CPT code 68841: Lacrimal implant, drug-eluting implant2026 Medicare rate & RVUs in West Virginia
Reports placement of a drug-eluting implant in a lacrimal canaliculus, commonly to deliver sustained medication after ophthalmic surgery.
In West Virginia, Medicare pays $36.52 for 68841 in the office and $26.65 when it’s performed in a hospital or facility.
Check a contract rate as a % of Medicare · 68841 nationwide
Medicare allowed amount for participating (non-QP) physicians, before deductible, coinsurance and claim adjustments. Not a patient’s bill or a hospital charge.
On this page 11 sections
What 68841 covers
An ophthalmologist places a medication-releasing insert into the lacrimal canaliculus, the small channel connecting the eyelid punctum to the tear drainage system. Punctal dilation needed for insertion is included. A common use is delivering sustained medication for ocular inflammation or pain after cataract surgery; placement may occur in an office or during a surgical encounter.
Report the service for each treated canaliculus and document the eye, implant placement, and clinical indication. The code has a 0-day global period, so same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included. For bilateral treatment, modifier 50 is paid at 150%. When multiple procedures occur in one session, the highest-valued procedure is paid in full and the others at 50%. Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery for this code; co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
This summary was written with AI assistance from CMS physician fee schedule data and checked against the CMS billing rules shown here. Rates on this page come directly from CMS files.
How West Virginia compares for 68841
Across 109 of 109 payment localities, the office rate for 68841 runs from $35.08 in Arkansas to $49.34 in San Benito County, CA. West Virginia pays $36.52. The RVUs are the same everywhere; the geographic indexes change the dollars.
- West Virginia · this page$36.52
- Los Angeles, CA · California$42.87+$6.35
- Washington, DC area · District of Columbia$43.57+$7.05
- Miami, FL · Florida$41.66+$5.14
- Chicago, IL · Illinois$40.69+$4.17
- Manhattan, NY · New York$44.02+$7.50
- Alaska · Alaska$47.55+$11.03
Other areas in West Virginia first, then benchmark localities. Bars start at $0.
Every other payment area
| Payment locality | Office | Facility |
|---|---|---|
| AlabamaAlabama | $35.49 | $25.56 |
| ArkansasArkansas | $35.08 | $25.33 |
| ArizonaArizona | $37.89 | $26.89 |
| Bakersfield, CACalifornia | $40.58 | $28.13 |
| Chico, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| El Centro, CACalifornia | $40.46 | $28.01 |
| Fresno, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| Hanford, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| Madera, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| Merced, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| Modesto, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| Napa, CACalifornia | $45.90 | $30.93 |
| Oxnard, CACalifornia | $42.58 | $29.16 |
| Redding, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| Rest of CaliforniaCalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| Riverside, CACalifornia | $40.89 | $28.44 |
| Sacramento, CACalifornia | $42.19 | $28.98 |
| Salinas, CACalifornia | $42.02 | $28.86 |
| San Diego, CACalifornia | $42.80 | $29.22 |
| Marin County, CACalifornia | $48.31 | $32.30 |
| San Francisco, CACalifornia | $48.26 | $32.25 |
| San Benito County, CACalifornia | $49.34 | $32.96 |
| Santa Clara County, CACalifornia | $49.15 | $32.78 |
| San Luis Obispo, CACalifornia | $41.37 | $28.43 |
| Santa Cruz, CACalifornia | $43.06 | $29.26 |
| Santa Maria, CACalifornia | $42.12 | $28.88 |
| Santa Rosa, CACalifornia | $43.48 | $29.53 |
| Stockton, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| Vallejo, CACalifornia | $45.83 | $30.86 |
| Visalia, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| Yuba City, CACalifornia | $40.45 | $28.00 |
| ColoradoColorado | $40.01 | $27.93 |
| ConnecticutConnecticut | $40.99 | $28.76 |
| DelawareDelaware | $38.43 | $27.21 |
| Fort Lauderdale, FLFlorida | $40.10 | $28.60 |
| Rest of FloridaFlorida | $38.48 | $27.62 |
| Atlanta, GAGeorgia | $39.40 | $27.87 |
| Rest of GeorgiaGeorgia | $36.69 | $26.56 |
| Hawaii, Guam, HIHawaii | $41.11 | $28.20 |
| IowaIowa | $36.12 | $25.73 |
| IdahoIdaho | $36.33 | $25.88 |
| East St. Louis, ILIllinois | $38.39 | $27.94 |
| Rest of IllinoisIllinois | $37.64 | $27.27 |
| Suburban Chicago, ILIllinois | $40.47 | $28.80 |
| IndianaIndiana | $36.50 | $25.97 |
| KansasKansas | $36.03 | $25.76 |
| KentuckyKentucky | $36.26 | $26.16 |
| New Orleans, LALouisiana | $37.67 | $26.98 |
| Rest of LouisianaLouisiana | $36.23 | $26.18 |
| Metropolitan Boston, MAMassachusetts | $43.40 | $29.84 |
| Rest of MassachusettsMassachusetts | $39.86 | $27.91 |
| Baltimore area, MDMaryland | $40.88 | $28.69 |
| Rest of MarylandMaryland | $39.05 | $27.56 |
| Rest of MaineMaine | $36.53 | $26.08 |
| Southern Maine, MEMaine | $38.06 | $26.81 |
| Detroit, MIMichigan | $38.91 | $27.95 |
| Rest of MichiganMichigan | $37.06 | $26.69 |
| MinnesotaMinnesota | $38.42 | $26.74 |
| Metropolitan Kansas City, MOMissouri | $37.41 | $26.75 |
| Metropolitan St. Louis, MOMissouri | $37.72 | $26.91 |
| Rest of MissouriMissouri | $35.76 | $25.97 |
| MississippiMississippi | $35.42 | $25.65 |
| MontanaMontana | $38.74 | $27.39 |
| North CarolinaNorth Carolina | $36.83 | $26.24 |
| North DakotaNorth Dakota | $37.95 | $26.60 |
| NebraskaNebraska | $36.27 | $25.79 |
| New HampshireNew Hampshire | $39.45 | $27.63 |
| Northern New JerseyNew Jersey | $43.27 | $30.09 |
| Rest of New JerseyNew Jersey | $41.48 | $29.08 |
| New MexicoNew Mexico | $37.24 | $26.83 |
| NevadaNevada | $38.54 | $27.18 |
| NYC suburbs and Long Island, NYNew York | $44.96 | $31.45 |
| Poughkeepsie and northern NYC suburbs, NYNew York | $41.78 | $29.34 |
| Queens, NYNew York | $44.25 | $30.83 |
| Rest of New YorkNew York | $37.28 | $26.49 |
| OhioOhio | $36.90 | $26.53 |
| OklahomaOklahoma | $36.16 | $26.02 |
| Portland, OROregon | $41.03 | $28.42 |
| Rest of OregonOregon | $38.26 | $26.95 |
| Metropolitan Philadelphia, PAPennsylvania | $40.17 | $28.35 |
| Rest of PennsylvaniaPennsylvania | $36.92 | $26.49 |
| Puerto RicoPuerto Rico | $38.96 | $27.48 |
| Rhode IslandRhode Island | $39.61 | $27.88 |
| South CarolinaSouth Carolina | $36.92 | $26.43 |
| South DakotaSouth Dakota | $37.86 | $26.50 |
| TennesseeTennessee | $36.18 | $25.86 |
| Austin, TXTexas | $39.86 | $27.85 |
| Beaumont, TXTexas | $36.73 | $26.39 |
| Brazoria, TXTexas | $38.39 | $27.13 |
| Dallas, TXTexas | $38.61 | $27.30 |
| Fort Worth, TXTexas | $38.42 | $27.22 |
| Galveston, TXTexas | $38.49 | $27.22 |
| Houston, TXTexas | $39.23 | $27.95 |
| Rest of TexasTexas | $37.53 | $26.75 |
| UtahUtah | $37.33 | $26.65 |
| VirginiaVirginia | $37.99 | $26.83 |
| Virgin Islands, VIUnited States Virgin Islands | $38.96 | $27.48 |
| VermontVermont | $37.87 | $26.63 |
| Rest of WashingtonWashington | $39.77 | $27.81 |
| King County, WAWashington | $44.15 | $30.22 |
| WisconsinWisconsin | $36.92 | $26.04 |
| WyomingWyoming | $38.40 | $27.04 |
68841 rates by state
Office rate range in each state. Select a state to see its payment localities.
Explore a state
Local rates. Clear comparisons.
Hover or focus a tile to see its rate range. Select it to open the state’s fee schedule.
$35.08
$47.55
Color shows the midpoint of each state’s locality range.
View every state and territory as a table
| State / territory | Office rate range | Localities |
|---|---|---|
| AK | $47.55 | 1 |
| AL | $35.49 | 1 |
| AR | $35.08 | 1 |
| AZ | $37.89 | 1 |
| CA | $40.45–$49.34 | 29 |
| CO | $40.01 | 1 |
| CT | $40.99 | 1 |
| DC | $43.57 | 1 |
| DE | $38.43 | 1 |
| FL | $38.48–$41.66 | 3 |
| GA | $36.69–$39.40 | 2 |
| GU | $41.11 | 1 |
| HI | $41.11 | 1 |
| IA | $36.12 | 1 |
| ID | $36.33 | 1 |
| IL | $37.64–$40.69 | 4 |
| IN | $36.50 | 1 |
| KS | $36.03 | 1 |
| KY | $36.26 | 1 |
| LA | $36.23–$37.67 | 2 |
| MA | $39.86–$43.40 | 2 |
| MD | $39.05–$43.57 | 3 |
| ME | $36.53–$38.06 | 2 |
| MI | $37.06–$38.91 | 2 |
| MN | $38.42 | 1 |
| MO | $35.76–$37.72 | 3 |
| MS | $35.42 | 1 |
| MT | $38.74 | 1 |
| NC | $36.83 | 1 |
| ND | $37.95 | 1 |
| NE | $36.27 | 1 |
| NH | $39.45 | 1 |
| NJ | $41.48–$43.27 | 2 |
| NM | $37.24 | 1 |
| NV | $38.54 | 1 |
| NY | $37.28–$44.96 | 5 |
| OH | $36.90 | 1 |
| OK | $36.16 | 1 |
| OR | $38.26–$41.03 | 2 |
| PA | $36.92–$40.17 | 2 |
| PR | $38.96 | 1 |
| RI | $39.61 | 1 |
| SC | $36.92 | 1 |
| SD | $37.86 | 1 |
| TN | $36.18 | 1 |
| TX | $36.73–$39.86 | 8 |
| UT | $37.33 | 1 |
| VA | $37.99–$43.57 | 2 |
| VI | $38.96 | 1 |
| VT | $37.87 | 1 |
| WA | $39.77–$44.15 | 2 |
| WI | $36.92 | 1 |
| WV | $36.52 | 1 |
| WY | $38.40 | 1 |
How the 68841 rate is calculated
Each of 68841’s three RVUs is multiplied by a geographic index (GPCI) for the payment locality, added up, and multiplied by the conversion factor. Drag the indexes or enter a ZIP to see what moves the rate.
How the rate is built · 68841
RVUs × geographic indexes × conversion factor
Work0.48
0.48 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Practice expense0.64
0.64 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Malpractice0.04
0.04 RVUs× 1.000 GPCI
Adjusted RVUs
1.1600
Conversion factor
$33.4009
Medicare rate
$38.75
Every GPCI starts at 1.000, the national rate. Enter a ZIP or drag a slider.
The exact West Virginia inputs and CMS source lines
PPRRVU2026_Oct_nonQPP.csv
7,577
- Code
- 68841
- Physician work
- 0.48
- Practice expense
- 0.64
- Malpractice
- 0.04
GPCI2026.csv
110
- Locality
- West Virginia
- Physician work
- 1.000
- Practice expense
- 0.869
- Malpractice
- 1.431
| Component | RVU | Locality factor | Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physician work | 0.48 | × 1.000 | 0.4800 |
| Practice expense | 0.64 | × 0.869 | 0.5562 |
| Malpractice | 0.04 | × 1.431 | 0.0572 |
| Total RVUs | 1.0934 | ||
| Conversion factor | × 33.4009 | ||
Office rate, West Virginia$36.52
Office: (0.48 × 1 + 0.64 × 0.869 + 0.04 × 1.431) × $33.4009 = $36.52
Facility: (0.48 × 1 + 0.3 × 0.869 + 0.04 × 1.431) × $33.4009 = $26.65
Payment rules and modifiers for 68841
The CMS indicators that decide how 68841 is paid alongside other services.
CMS payment indicators · 68841
Lacrimal implant, drug-eluting implant
| Rule | CMS value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Global period | 000 | Same-day global: pre- and post-op care on the day of the procedure is included. |
| Multiple procedures | 2 | Standard reduction: highest-valued procedure at 100%, others at 50%. |
| Bilateral (modifier 50) | 1 | Bilateral with modifier 50 pays 150% of the fee schedule amount. |
| Assistant at surgery (80/81/82/AS) | 1 | Not paid (statutory restriction). |
| Co-surgeons (62) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Team surgery (66) | 0 | Not permitted. |
| Professional/technical | 0 | Physician service: no professional/technical split. |
What modifiers do to the payment
Modifier 50 · payment effect
With and without the modifier
68841 without 50 · national office
$38.75
Lacrimal implant, drug-eluting implant
68841-50 · Bilateral: 150%
$58.13
Both sides on one line with modifier 50 are paid at 150% of the fee schedule amount (subject to multiple-procedure rules with other procedures).
How 68841 has changed in West Virginia
68841 · Office / nonfacility
$36.52
Effective 2026-10-01
The base rate is $1.94 higher than on 2025-10-01, moving from $34.58 to $36.52 (5.6%).
It is unchanged from the immediately preceding available release, effective 2026-07-01.
One bar per available release, ordered by effective date. Missing rates remain gaps. These comparisons hold the code, setting and locality identifiers constant; they do not isolate which policy or input caused a change.
What changed, release by release
January 1, 2026
RVU26A
$34.58changed to$36.52
- Conversion factor 32.3465 changed to 33.4009
- Work RVU 0.49 changed to 0.48
- Practice expense RVU 0.61 changed to 0.64
- Practice expense GPCI 0.862 changed to 0.869
- Malpractice GPCI 1.333 changed to 1.431
Held through RVU26B, RVU26C, RVU26D.
January 1, 2025
RVU25A
$35.59changed to$34.58
- Conversion factor 33.2875 changed to 32.3465
Held through RVU25B, RVU25C, RVU25D.
March 9, 2024
RVU24AR
$35.01changed to$35.59
- Conversion factor 32.7442 changed to 33.2875
Held through RVU24B, RVU24C, RVU24D.
January 1, 2024
RVU24A
$35.81changed to$35.01
- Conversion factor 33.8872 changed to 32.7442
- Practice expense RVU 0.60 changed to 0.61
- Practice expense GPCI 0.860 changed to 0.862
- Malpractice GPCI 1.266 changed to 1.333
January 1, 2023
RVU23A
$35.84changed to$35.81
- Conversion factor 34.6062 changed to 33.8872
- Practice expense RVU 0.58 changed to 0.60
- Practice expense GPCI 0.858 changed to 0.860
- Malpractice GPCI 1.198 changed to 1.266
Held through RVU23B, RVU23C, RVU23D.
January 1, 2022
RVU22A
No ratechanged to$35.84
Held through RVU22B, RVU22C, RVU22D.
January 1, 2013
RVU13AR
Earliest loaded release: No rate
Held through RVU13B, RVU13C, RVU13D, RVU14A, RVU14B, RVU14C, RVU14D, RVU15A, RVU15B, RVU15C, RVU15D, RVU16A, RVU16B, RVU16C, RVU16D, RVU17A, RVU17B, RVU17C, RVU17D, RVU18AR1, RVU18B, RVU18C, RVU18D, RVU19A, RVU19B, RVU19C, RVU19D, RVU20A, RVU20B, RVU20C, RVU20D, RVU21A, RVU21B, RVU21C, RVU21D.
| Effective from | Office | Facility | CMS release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-10-01 | $36.52 | $26.65 | RVU26D |
| 2026-07-01 | $36.52 | $26.65 | RVU26C |
| 2026-04-01 | $36.52 | $26.65 | RVU26B |
| 2026-01-01 | $36.52 | $26.65 | RVU26A |
| 2025-10-01 | $34.58 | $29.84 | RVU25D |
| 2025-07-01 | $34.58 | $29.84 | RVU25C |
| 2025-04-01 | $34.58 | $29.84 | RVU25B |
| 2025-01-01 | $34.58 | $29.84 | RVU25A |
| 2024-10-01 | $35.59 | $30.42 | RVU24D |
| 2024-07-01 | $35.59 | $30.42 | RVU24C |
| 2024-04-01 | $35.59 | $30.42 | RVU24B |
| 2024-03-09 | $35.59 | $30.42 | RVU24AR |
| 2024-01-01 | $35.01 | $29.93 | RVU24A |
| 2023-10-01 | $35.81 | $30.85 | RVU23D |
| 2023-07-01 | $35.81 | $30.85 | RVU23C |
| 2023-04-01 | $35.81 | $30.85 | RVU23B |
| 2023-01-01 | $35.81 | $30.85 | RVU23A |
| 2022-10-01 | $35.84 | $30.79 | RVU22D |
| 2022-07-01 | $35.84 | $30.79 | RVU22C |
| 2022-04-01 | $35.84 | $30.79 | RVU22B |
| 2022-01-01 | $35.84 | $30.79 | RVU22A |
| 2021-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21D |
| 2021-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21C |
| 2021-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21B |
| 2021-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU21A |
| 2020-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20D |
| 2020-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20C |
| 2020-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20B |
| 2020-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU20A |
| 2019-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19D |
| 2019-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19C |
| 2019-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19B |
| 2019-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU19A |
| 2018-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18D |
| 2018-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18C |
| 2018-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18B |
| 2018-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU18AR1 |
| 2017-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17D |
| 2017-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17C |
| 2017-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17B |
| 2017-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU17A |
| 2016-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16D |
| 2016-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16C |
| 2016-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16B |
| 2016-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU16A |
| 2015-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15D |
| 2015-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15C |
| 2015-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15B |
| 2015-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU15A |
| 2014-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14D |
| 2014-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14C |
| 2014-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14B |
| 2014-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU14A |
| 2013-10-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13D |
| 2013-07-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13C |
| 2013-04-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13B |
| 2013-01-01 | Not in this release | Not in this release | RVU13AR |
Where the West Virginia rate applies
West Virginia is a Medicare payment area, not a city. Our Census mapping connects it to 439 cities and communities in West Virginia. Some span more than one payment area; confirm with the service ZIP.
- Accoville
- Addison (Webster Springs)
- Adrian
- Albright
- Alderson
- Alum Creek
- Amherstdale
- Anawalt
68841 billing questions
Is punctal dilation separately reported with 68841?
Punctal dilation performed to place the implant is included in 68841. The code is for the implant placement, not dilation alone.
How is bilateral implant placement reported?
CMS identifies 68841 as bilateral and pays modifier 50 at 150%. Document the treated eyes and implant placements.
Can 68841 be reported with cataract surgery?
It may be performed during the same encounter as cataract surgery when the implant is placed for a separate medication-delivery purpose. The standard multiple procedure reduction applies when multiple procedures are performed in the same session.
Does the 0-day global period include same-day care?
Yes. Same-day preoperative and postoperative care is included in the procedure's 0-day global period.
What documentation supports 68841?
Record the medication-releasing implant placement, the treated eye or canaliculus, and the clinical reason for sustained medication delivery.
Can an assistant or co-surgeon be paid for 68841?
Medicare does not pay an assistant at surgery for this code. Co-surgeons and team surgery are not permitted.
Where these rates come from
FeeBase calculates base physician payments from CMS work, practice-expense and malpractice RVUs, adjusted by each locality’s geographic indexes and the conversion factor. Services without a published rate are labeled, never given a made-up amount. Amounts are Medicare allowed amounts before claim adjustments: not a patient’s bill or a commercial rate.
CMS RVU26D · effective Oct 1, 2026 through the day before Jan 1, 2027
Show the CMS file lines behind this rate
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