How To Use CPT Code 49322

CPT 49322 describes a laparoscopic surgical procedure that involves the aspiration of a cavity or cyst, such as an ovarian cyst. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 49322?

CPT 49322 is a code used to describe a laparoscopic surgical procedure in which a healthcare provider examines the inside of the abdomen using a laparoscope. During this procedure, the provider may withdraw fluid from one or more pockets or sacs, such as ovarian cysts, to prevent rupture and internal bleeding.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 49322 is: ‘Laparoscopy, surgical; with aspiration of cavity or cyst (eg, ovarian cyst) (single or multiple)’. This code specifically refers to the laparoscopic surgical procedure that involves the aspiration of a cavity or cyst, such as an ovarian cyst.

3. Procedure

1. When performing CPT 49322, the healthcare provider begins by making a small incision at the umbilicus.
2. Through this incision, the provider inflates the abdomen with carbon dioxide to improve visualization of the site of interest.
3. Additional small incisions are made to insert a camera and instruments for the procedure.
4. The provider uses suction to evacuate any free fluid in the abdomen.
5. He then examines the organs and structures for evidence of disease.
6. If a cavity or cyst is identified, the provider aspirates it using suction.
7. A drain may be left in place if necessary.
8. The provider irrigates the area, checks for bleeding, removes any instruments, and closes the incisions.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 49322 is typically performed on patients who have pockets or sacs, such as ovarian cysts, that require aspiration to prevent complications like rupture and internal bleeding. The procedure is performed using a laparoscope, a tubular instrument with a light source and camera, and is considered a surgical intervention.

5. When to use CPT code 49322

CPT code 49322 should be used when a laparoscopic surgical procedure is performed to aspirate a cavity or cyst, such as an ovarian cyst. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description of the code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 49322, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the laparoscopic surgical procedure
• Specific details of the procedure, including the number of cavities or cysts aspirated
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 49322, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the official description. The procedure should be reported with the appropriate diagnosis code and any necessary modifiers. It is also important to follow any additional billing guidelines provided by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 49322 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2000. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performing a laparoscopic surgical procedure to aspirate an ovarian cyst.
2. A patient with multiple cysts in the abdomen undergoing a laparoscopic surgical procedure to aspirate the cysts.
3. A laparoscopic surgical procedure performed to aspirate a cavity in the peritoneum.
4. A healthcare provider using a laparoscope to examine and aspirate a cyst in the omentum.
5. A patient with a suspected abdominal cyst undergoing a laparoscopic surgical procedure for aspiration and diagnosis.
6. A laparoscopic surgical procedure performed to aspirate a cyst in the pelvic region.
7. A healthcare provider using a laparoscope to examine and aspirate a cyst in the abdominal cavity.
8. A patient with a known ovarian cyst undergoing a laparoscopic surgical procedure for cyst aspiration.
9. A laparoscopic surgical procedure performed to aspirate a cyst in the abdominal wall.
10. A healthcare provider using a laparoscope to examine and aspirate a cyst in the peritoneal cavity.