How To Use CPT Code 44820

CPT 44820 describes the excision of a lesion on the peritoneum or mesentery, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity. 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 44820?

CPT 44820 can be used to describe the surgical removal of a lesion on the peritoneum or mesentery. This code is used when the provider removes the lesion either for pathological examination or to prevent intestinal obstruction. It is important to note that if the procedure involves intestine resection, a different CPT code should be used.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 44820 is: ‘Excision of lesion of mesentery (separate procedure)’. There are no additional notes provided for this code.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. An incision is made in the abdomen to expose the mesentery.
3. The provider identifies and excises the lesion on the peritoneum or mesentery.
4. The mesentery is repaired using sutures or staples.
5. All instruments are removed, and the provider checks for any bleeding.
6. The abdominal incision is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 44820 is performed on patients who have a lesion on the peritoneum or mesentery that requires excision. The procedure may be done for pathological examination or to prevent intestinal obstruction. It is important to note that this code should not be used if the procedure involves intestine resection.

5. When to use CPT code 44820

CPT code 44820 should be used when the provider performs a separate procedure to excise a lesion on the peritoneum or mesentery. It is important to ensure that the procedure does not involve intestine resection, as a different CPT code should be used in that case.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 44820, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for excision of the lesion
• Details of the procedure, including the location and size of the lesion
• Repair method used for the mesentery
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 44820, ensure that the procedure involves the excision of a lesion on the peritoneum or mesentery. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code if the procedure involves intestine resection. There are no specific guidelines provided regarding reporting CPT 44820 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 44820 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. It is worth noting that this procedure was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs an excision of a lesion on the mesentery for pathological examination.
2. A patient undergoes a separate procedure to have a peritoneal lesion excised to prevent intestinal obstruction.
3. A provider performs an excision of a mesenteric lesion during a laparoscopic surgery.
4. A surgeon excises a peritoneal lesion and repairs the mesentery using sutures.
5. A patient undergoes an excision of a mesenteric lesion as part of a larger abdominal surgery.
6. A provider performs an excision of a peritoneal lesion and closes the abdominal incision in layers.
7. A surgeon excises a mesenteric lesion and checks for any bleeding before closing the incision.
8. A patient undergoes a separate procedure to have a peritoneal lesion excised, and the provider documents the details of the procedure.
9. A provider performs an excision of a mesenteric lesion and notes any complications encountered during the procedure.
10. A surgeon excises a peritoneal lesion and obtains a signature for the procedure performed.