How To Use CPT Code 41850

CPT 41850 describes the destruction of a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures using any method except for excision. 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 41850?

CPT 41850 can be used to describe the destruction of a lesion present in the dentoalveolar structures using any method except for excision. This code is used when the provider removes the lesion by using cryosurgery, laser therapy, or electrocautery, allowing the site to heal without suturing.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 41850 is: ‘Destruction of lesion (except excision), dentoalveolar structures.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider locates the exact site of the lesion in the dentoalveolar structures.
2. Using cryosurgery, laser therapy, or electrocautery, the provider destroys the lesion.
3. The provider allows the site to heal without suturing.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 41850 services are those with a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures that requires destruction. The provider must use any method except for excision to remove the lesion. The procedure is typically performed when the lesion poses a risk or discomfort to the patient.

5. When to use CPT code 41850

CPT code 41850 should be used when the provider destroys a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures using any method except for excision. It is important to note that if the provider excises a lesion or tumor from the dentoalveolar structures, a different set of codes should be used (41825 to 41827).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 41850, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for lesion destruction
• Method used for lesion destruction (cryosurgery, laser therapy, or electrocautery)
• Date of the procedure
• Site of the lesion in the dentoalveolar structures
• Details of the procedure, including any complications or additional measures taken
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 41850, ensure that the provider is using any method except for excision to destroy the lesion in the dentoalveolar structures. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 41850 with other codes. However, it is important to review the documentation and determine if any additional procedures or services were performed during the same encounter.

8. Historical information

CPT 41850 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider using cryosurgery to destroy a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of a patient.
2. A provider utilizing laser therapy to remove a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of a patient.
3. A provider employing electrocautery to eliminate a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of a patient.
4. A provider using cryosurgery to destroy a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of a different patient.
5. A provider utilizing laser therapy to remove a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of a different patient.
6. A provider employing electrocautery to eliminate a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of a different patient.
7. A provider using cryosurgery to destroy a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of another patient.
8. A provider utilizing laser therapy to remove a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of another patient.
9. A provider employing electrocautery to eliminate a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of another patient.
10. A provider using cryosurgery to destroy a lesion in the dentoalveolar structures of yet another patient.