How To Use cpt 11770

cpt 11770 describes the excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus that does not require extensive dissection and is performed without complications. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples of cpt 11770.

1. What is cpt 11770?

cpt 11770 is a code used to describe the excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus that does not require extensive dissection and is performed without complications. This procedure involves the removal of the complete cyst along with the infected tissue margin using a scalpel. The excision is not extensive or complicated.

2. Official Description

The official description of cpt 11770 is: ‘Excision of pilonidal cyst or sinus simple.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is brought to the operating room and informed consent is obtained.
2. The operating area is prepped and draped in the usual sterile method.
3. Probes or dye may be used to identify the cyst.
4. The provider makes an incision over the midline of the cyst, usually in the buttock or coccyx area.
5. The complete cyst along with the infected tissue margin is removed using a scalpel.
6. The wound is sutured in a simple linear fashion and/or packed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

cpt 11770 is performed on patients with a pilonidal cyst or sinus that is infected and requires excision. This condition typically presents with pain above the central buttock crease, along with swelling and fever. The excision is considered simple and does not require extensive dissection or involve complications.

5. When to use cpt code 11770

cpt 11770 should be used when a provider performs a simple excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus that does not require extensive dissection and is performed without complications. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that the excision meets the criteria for a simple excision.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for cpt 11770, the following documentation is required:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a pilonidal cyst or sinus
• Description of the procedure performed, including the location of the cyst and the method of excision
• Documentation of any probes or dye used to identify the cyst
• Details of the wound closure, including whether sutures or packing were used
• Confirmation that the excision was simple and did not require extensive dissection or involve complications
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for cpt 11770, ensure that the excision meets the criteria for a simple excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation. cpt 11770 should not be reported with other codes for extensive or complicated excisions or for incision and drainage procedures.

8. Historical information

cpt 11770 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Similar codes to cpt 11770

Five similar codes to cpt 11770 include:

• cpt 11771: This code is used for the extensive excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus.
• cpt 11772: This code is used for the complicated excision of a pilonidal cyst or sinus.
• cpt 10080: This code is used for the simple incision and drainage of a pilonidal cyst or sinus.
• cpt 10081: This code is used for the complicated incision and drainage of a pilonidal cyst or sinus.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a pilonidal cyst in the buttock area. The provider performs a simple excision of the cyst, removing the complete cyst along with the infected tissue margin.
2. A patient presents with a pilonidal sinus in the coccyx area. The provider performs a simple excision of the sinus, removing the complete sinus along with the infected tissue margin.
3. A patient with a pilonidal cyst in the buttock area undergoes a simple excision of the cyst, with the wound sutured in a simple linear fashion.
4. A patient with a pilonidal sinus in the coccyx area undergoes a simple excision of the sinus, with the wound packed after removal.
5. A patient presents with a pilonidal cyst in the buttock area. The provider performs a simple excision of the cyst, removing the complete cyst along with the infected tissue margin and suturing the wound.
6. A patient presents with a pilonidal sinus in the coccyx area. The provider performs a simple excision of the sinus, removing the complete sinus along with the infected tissue margin and packing the wound.
7. A patient with a pilonidal cyst in the buttock area undergoes a simple excision of the cyst, with the wound sutured in a simple linear fashion and no complications.
8. A patient with a pilonidal sinus in the coccyx area undergoes a simple excision of the sinus, with the wound packed after removal and no complications.
9. A patient presents with a pilonidal cyst in the buttock area. The provider performs a simple excision of the cyst, removing the complete cyst along with the infected tissue margin and suturing the wound without complications.
10. A patient presents with a pilonidal sinus in the coccyx area. The provider performs a simple excision of the sinus, removing the complete sinus along with the infected tissue margin and packing the wound without complications.