How To Use CPT Code 0565T

CPT 0565T describes the procedure for the use of an autologous cellular implant derived from adipose tissue to treat osteoarthritis of the knees. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 0565T?

CPT 0565T can be used to describe the procedure for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees using an autologous cellular implant derived from adipose tissue. This code is used when the provider performs liposuction to remove fat tissue from the patient, digests the harvested tissue with collagenase to release adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs), isolates the ASCs using centrifugation, and creates a cellular implant for injection into the knee joint of the same patient.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 0565T is: ‘Autologous cellular implant derived from adipose tissue for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees; tissue harvesting and cellular implant creation.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs liposuction to remove adipose tissue from the patient.
2. The harvested tissue, called lipoaspirate, is digested with collagenase to break down the connective tissues and release adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs).
3. The ASCs are isolated using centrifugation and flushing out of the precipitate, and the collagenase is washed off.
4. This process is repeated until only a few milliliters of stromal vascular fractions (SVFs) are left.
5. The SVFs, which contain various cell types, including MSCs or ASCs, can then be injected back into the patient’s knee(s) to treat osteoarthritis.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 0565T treatment are those with osteoarthritis of the knees. The provider must perform liposuction to harvest adipose tissue from the patient and create a cellular implant for injection into the knee joint. This procedure should only be performed on the same patient and not in conjunction with other procedures such as autologous fat grafting.

5. When to use CPT code 0565T

CPT code 0565T should be used when the provider performs the entire procedure for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees using an autologous cellular implant derived from adipose tissue. This code should not be used in conjunction with other codes for harvesting of autologous fat or grafting to specific areas of the body.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 0565T, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knees
• Details of the liposuction procedure and the amount of adipose tissue harvested
• Steps taken to create the cellular implant, including digestion with collagenase, isolation of ASCs, and preparation of SVFs
• Date and time of the procedure
• Injection of the cellular implant into the knee joint(s)
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 0565T, ensure that the provider performs the entire procedure as described in the official description. This code should not be reported with other codes for harvesting of autologous fat or grafting to specific areas of the body. It is important to check with the payer regarding coverage and reimbursement for this procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 0565T was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2020. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs liposuction to harvest adipose tissue from a patient, digests the tissue with collagenase, isolates adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs), and creates a cellular implant for injection into the patient’s knee joint to treat osteoarthritis.
2. A patient with osteoarthritis of the knees undergoes a procedure in which adipose tissue is removed through liposuction, and a cellular implant derived from the harvested tissue is injected into the knee joint for treatment.
3. A provider performs a comprehensive procedure involving liposuction, digestion of harvested tissue, isolation of ASCs, and creation of a cellular implant, which is then injected into the knee joint of a patient with osteoarthritis.
4. Using liposuction, a provider harvests adipose tissue from a patient, processes it to obtain ASCs, and prepares a cellular implant for injection into the knee joint to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis.
5. A patient with osteoarthritis of the knees undergoes a procedure in which adipose tissue is extracted through liposuction, processed to obtain ASCs, and then injected into the knee joint as a cellular implant for therapeutic purposes.
6. A provider performs a specialized procedure involving liposuction, digestion of harvested tissue, isolation of ASCs, and preparation of a cellular implant, which is subsequently injected into the knee joint of a patient with osteoarthritis.
7. Using liposuction, a provider removes adipose tissue from a patient, processes it to obtain ASCs, and prepares a cellular implant for injection into the knee joint to address symptoms of osteoarthritis.
8. A patient with osteoarthritis of the knees undergoes a procedure in which adipose tissue is collected via liposuction, processed to obtain ASCs, and then introduced into the knee joint as a cellular implant to alleviate the effects of the condition.
9. A provider performs a comprehensive procedure involving liposuction, digestion of harvested tissue, isolation of ASCs, and creation of a cellular implant, which is subsequently injected into the knee joint of a patient with osteoarthritis.
10. Using liposuction, a provider harvests adipose tissue from a patient, processes it to obtain ASCs, and prepares a cellular implant for injection into the knee joint to alleviate symptoms of osteoarthritis.