How To Use CPT Code 58700

CPT 58700 is a surgical procedure code for the removal of all or part of a fallopian tube, performed unilaterally or bilaterally. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, when to use the code, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 58700 procedures.

1. What is CPT 58700?

CPT 58700 is a surgical procedure code that refers to the removal of all or part of a fallopian tube, either on one side (unilateral) or both sides (bilateral). This procedure is typically performed to treat various medical conditions, such as ectopic pregnancy, tubal blockage, or infection. It can also be performed as part of a sterilization procedure or in conjunction with other gynecological surgeries.

2. 58700 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 58700 is: “Salpingectomy, complete or partial, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure)”.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is placed in the supine position and administered general anesthesia.
2. The provider makes an incision in the lower abdomen just above the pubic bone.
3. The peritoneum is incised, and the abdomen is explored.
4. An incision is made to expose the broad ligament.
5. The fallopian tube is dissected away from the ligament and removed from the abdomen.
6. If performing a bilateral salpingectomy, the procedure is repeated for the other fallopian tube.
7. Bleeding is controlled, and hemostasis is obtained.
8. The abdomen is closed, and a Foley catheter is placed to promote gravity drainage.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 58700 services include those with medical conditions that require the removal of one or both fallopian tubes, such as ectopic pregnancy, tubal blockage, or infection. Additionally, patients undergoing sterilization procedures or other gynecological surgeries that necessitate the removal of the fallopian tubes may also qualify for this code.

5. When to use CPT code 58700

It is appropriate to bill CPT code 58700 when a provider performs a complete or partial salpingectomy, either unilaterally or bilaterally, as a separate procedure. This code should be used when the primary purpose of the surgery is the removal of the fallopian tube(s) and not as part of another gynecological procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 58700, the following information should be documented in the patient’s medical record:

• Indication for the procedure, such as ectopic pregnancy, tubal blockage, or infection
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the approach, technique, and any complications encountered
• Whether the salpingectomy was complete or partial, unilateral or bilateral
• Postoperative care instructions and follow-up plan

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 58700, it is essential to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. Some tips and codes that apply to CPT code 58700 include:

• Ensure that the procedure is billed as a separate procedure and not in conjunction with another gynecological surgery
• Verify that the patient’s medical record contains the necessary documentation to support the claim
• Use appropriate modifiers, if necessary, to indicate any special circumstances related to the procedure

8. Historical information

CPT 58700 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. In 2017, it was added to the Medicare Inpatient Only (IPO) list.

9. Similar codes to CPT 58700

Five similar codes to CPT 58700 and how they differ are:

• CPT 58660: Lysis of adhesions, which involves the removal of scar tissue from the fallopian tubes, rather than the tubes themselves
• CPT 58670: Tubal occlusion, which involves blocking the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy, rather than removing the tubes
• CPT 58720: Salpingo-oophorectomy, which involves the removal of both the fallopian tube and the ovary on one or both sides
• CPT 58940: Oophorectomy, which involves the removal of one or both ovaries, but not the fallopian tubes
• CPT 58661: Laparoscopic removal of the fallopian tube(s), which is a minimally invasive approach to salpingectomy

10. Examples

1. A patient with an ectopic pregnancy requiring the removal of the affected fallopian tube
2. A patient with a history of recurrent pelvic inflammatory disease and tubal scarring, necessitating bilateral salpingectomy
3. A patient undergoing a hysterectomy for uterine cancer, with the removal of both fallopian tubes as part of the cancer treatment
4. A patient with a tubal blockage causing infertility, requiring the removal of the blocked fallopian tube
5. A patient with a hydrosalpinx (fluid-filled fallopian tube) requiring salpingectomy to alleviate pain and prevent complications
6. A patient undergoing a sterilization procedure, with the removal of both fallopian tubes as the chosen method
7. A patient with a large, symptomatic fallopian tube cyst requiring the removal of the affected tube
8. A patient with a history of multiple ectopic pregnancies, undergoing a prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy to prevent future ectopic pregnancies
9. A patient with a pelvic abscess involving the fallopian tube, requiring the removal of the affected tube to treat the infection
10. A patient with a history of tubal ligation, undergoing a salpingectomy to treat post-tubal ligation syndrome