How To Use CPT Code 41140

CPT 41140 describes the complete or total removal of the tongue, with or without tracheostomy, without radical neck dissection. 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 41140?

CPT 41140 is used to describe the surgical procedure of complete or total removal of the tongue, with or without tracheostomy, without radical neck dissection. This procedure is typically performed to treat cancer and may involve the insertion of an artificial airway to assist the patient with breathing post-procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 41140 is: ‘Glossectomy; complete or total, with or without tracheostomy, without radical neck dissection.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a complete or total removal of the tongue, excising the entire organ.
2. If necessary, a tracheostomy may be performed to insert an artificial airway to aid in post-procedure breathing.
3. Tissue cauterization may be performed to control bleeding during the procedure.
4. This procedure does not include radical neck dissection, which involves the removal of associated lymph nodes and surrounding tissues.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 41140 is typically performed on patients with tongue cancer or other conditions that require the complete or total removal of the tongue. The procedure may also involve a tracheostomy to assist with breathing post-procedure. It is important to note that this code does not include radical neck dissection.

5. When to use CPT code 41140

CPT code 41140 should be used when the provider performs a complete or total removal of the tongue, with or without tracheostomy, without radical neck dissection. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 41140, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure, such as tongue cancer or other qualifying condition
• Details of the procedure, including whether a tracheostomy was performed
• Any additional procedures performed, such as tissue cauterization
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 41140, ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description of the code. It is important to accurately document the details of the procedure to support the use of this code. Review the documentation requirements and ensure that all necessary information is included in the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 41140 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a complete glossectomy without radical neck dissection to treat tongue cancer.
2. A tracheostomy is performed along with the complete removal of the tongue for a patient with a severe tongue condition.
3. A provider performs a glossectomy without radical neck dissection to remove a tumor from the tongue.
4. A patient with advanced tongue cancer undergoes a complete glossectomy without radical neck dissection.
5. A tracheostomy is performed during the complete removal of the tongue for a patient with a compromised airway.
6. A provider performs a glossectomy without radical neck dissection to address a severe tongue infection.
7. A patient undergoes a complete glossectomy without radical neck dissection as part of their treatment for tongue cancer.
8. A tracheostomy is performed along with the complete removal of the tongue to assist with post-procedure breathing.
9. A provider performs a glossectomy without radical neck dissection to remove a large tongue polyp.
10. A patient with a rare tongue condition undergoes a complete glossectomy without radical neck dissection.