How To Use CPT Code 38760

CPT code 38760 describes the surgical excision of superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal and femoral areas. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 38760?

CPT 38760 can be used to describe the surgical removal of superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal and femoral areas. This code is used when the provider excises the lymph nodes that are located near the surface, without removing the deeper lymph nodes. In most cases, this procedure is performed to treat cancer in the lower abdomen.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 38760 is: ‘Inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, superficial, including Cloquet’s node (separate procedure).’ If the procedure is performed bilaterally, modifier 50 should be appended to the code.

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the lower abdomen and upper leg to access the inguinal and femoral areas.
3. The provider carefully explores the area and removes the superficial lymph nodes.
4. If necessary, the provider may also remove other involved or nearby tissues.
5. Hemostasis is ensured to stop any bleeding.
6. The incision is closed in layers to promote proper healing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 38760 is performed on patients who require the excision of superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal and femoral areas. This procedure is typically done to treat cancer in the lower abdomen. It is important to note that this code should only be used for the removal of superficial lymph nodes and not for the deeper lymph nodes.

5. When to use CPT code 38760

CPT code 38760 should be used when the provider performs a surgical excision of superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal and femoral areas. It is important to ensure that the procedure is limited to the superficial lymph nodes and does not involve the removal of deeper lymph nodes. This code should be used for each individual procedure performed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 38760, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the surgical excision of superficial lymph nodes
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site and the lymph nodes removed
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional tissues removed, if applicable
• Confirmation of hemostasis
• Details of the closure of the incision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 38760, ensure that the procedure involves the excision of superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal and femoral areas. Modifier 50 should be appended if the procedure is performed bilaterally. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the payer and to accurately report the procedure performed.

8. Historical information

CPT 38760 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code description was updated on January 1, 2017 to include the mention of Cloquet’s node as a separate procedure.

9. Examples

1. A patient with cancer in the lower abdomen undergoes a surgical excision of superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal and femoral areas.
2. A provider performs a bilateral inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, superficial, including Cloquet’s node, on a patient with cancer.
3. A superficial lymphadenectomy is performed on a patient with suspected lymph node involvement in the inguinal and femoral areas.
4. A provider excises superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal and femoral areas during a surgical procedure to treat cancer.
5. A patient with a history of cancer in the lower abdomen undergoes a repeat inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy to ensure complete removal of lymph nodes.
6. A provider performs a superficial lymphadenectomy, including Cloquet’s node, on a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer in the inguinal area.
7. A patient with cancer in the femoral area undergoes a surgical excision of superficial lymph nodes in that region.
8. A provider performs an inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, superficial, on a patient with suspected lymph node involvement in the inguinal area.
9. A superficial lymphadenectomy is performed on a patient with a confirmed diagnosis of cancer in the femoral area.
10. A provider excises superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal and femoral areas during a surgical procedure to remove cancerous tissues.