How To Use CPT Code 39541

CPT 39541 describes the surgical repair of a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm due to a chronic traumatic injury. 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 39541?

CPT 39541 can be used to describe the surgical repair of a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm caused by a chronic traumatic injury. This code is specifically for cases that do not involve neonatal hernias. The procedure involves repairing the diaphragm and addressing any damaged or nonviable tissues that may be present.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 39541 is: ‘Repair, diaphragmatic hernia (other than neonatal), traumatic; chronic.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares and anesthetizes the patient for the surgical procedure.
2. The provider approaches the diaphragm from the anterior or posterior area, or through the abdomen or thorax.
3. The provider carefully inspects the organs that have herniated into the chest and addresses any damaged or nonviable tissues.
4. The provider repairs any adhesions or damage caused by the chronic nature of the injury.
5. The provider then repairs the diaphragm using suture material or mesh.
6. Once the procedure is complete, the provider closes the incision in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 39541 is applicable for cases where there is a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm due to a chronic traumatic injury. This code should not be used for repair of neonatal hernias. The procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare professional and involves the repair of the diaphragm and any associated damaged tissues.

5. When to use CPT code 39541

CPT code 39541 should be used when a patient requires surgical repair of a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm caused by a chronic traumatic injury. It is important to note that this code is not applicable for neonatal hernias.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 39541, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm due to a chronic traumatic injury
• Details of the surgical procedure performed, including the approach used and any additional repairs made
• Description of any damaged or nonviable tissues addressed during the procedure
• Type of suture material or mesh used for the repair
• Date of the procedure and the time spent performing it
• Signature of the healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 39541, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm due to a chronic traumatic injury. This code should not be reported for neonatal hernias. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and use appropriate modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 39541 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes surgical repair of a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm caused by a chronic traumatic injury.
2. A healthcare professional performs a procedure to repair a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in a patient who has experienced a previous hernia recurrence.
3. A provider addresses a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia by repairing the diaphragm and any associated damaged tissues.
4. A patient with a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm due to a chronic traumatic injury undergoes surgical repair.
5. A healthcare professional performs a procedure to repair a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia in a patient with persistent symptoms.
6. A provider repairs a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm caused by a chronic traumatic injury in a patient who has experienced multiple hernia recurrences.
7. A patient undergoes surgical repair of a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
8. A healthcare professional performs a procedure to repair a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm caused by a chronic traumatic injury in a patient with a history of hernia recurrences.
9. A provider addresses a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia by repairing the diaphragm and any associated damaged tissues in a patient with persistent symptoms.
10. A patient with a recurrent hernia of the diaphragm due to a chronic traumatic injury undergoes surgical repair to improve respiratory function.