How To Use CPT Code 50240

CPT 50240 describes the surgical procedure for the partial removal of a kidney or part of a kidney. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 50240?

CPT 50240 can be used to describe the surgical procedure in which a portion of a kidney is removed. This code is used when a physician performs the surgery to remove the diseased or infected part of the kidney, leaving the rest intact.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50240 is: ‘Nephrectomy, partial.’ This code is used when a physician performs the surgical removal of a portion of a kidney.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. The physician makes an incision in the flank region to access the kidney.
3. An ultrasound device is used to locate the tumor or affected area of the kidney.
4. The physician carefully removes the tumor or the diseased portion of the kidney.
5. The incision is then sutured to close the surgical site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50240 is used when a physician performs a partial nephrectomy, which involves the removal of a specific portion of the kidney. This procedure is typically performed when there is a tumor or infection in a specific area of the kidney that can be removed while preserving the remaining healthy tissue. It is important to note that CPT 50240 is not used for radical nephrectomy or total removal of the kidney.

5. When to use CPT code 50240

CPT code 50240 should be used when a physician performs a partial nephrectomy, removing a specific portion of the kidney. It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the partial removal of the kidney and not a radical nephrectomy or total removal of the kidney.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50240, the physician must document the following information:

• Reason for the partial nephrectomy
• Details of the surgical procedure, including the specific portion of the kidney removed
• Date of the surgery
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50240, ensure that the documentation supports the partial removal of the kidney. It is important to use the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed. CPT codes 50225, 50230, 50234, and 50236 are used for different types of nephrectomies and should not be reported for a partial nephrectomy. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer.

8. Historical information

CPT 50240 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement.

9. Examples

1. A physician performs a partial nephrectomy to remove a tumor from a patient’s kidney.
2. A surgeon removes a diseased portion of a kidney due to infection.
3. A urologist performs a partial nephrectomy to treat a patient with kidney cancer.
4. A physician removes a specific portion of a kidney to alleviate symptoms caused by a kidney stone.
5. A surgeon performs a partial nephrectomy to remove a cyst from a patient’s kidney.
6. A urologist removes a diseased portion of a kidney to prevent further damage.
7. A physician performs a partial nephrectomy to treat a patient with a congenital kidney abnormality.
8. A surgeon removes a tumor from a specific area of a patient’s kidney, preserving the rest of the organ.
9. A urologist performs a partial nephrectomy to remove a benign growth from a patient’s kidney.
10. A physician removes a specific portion of a kidney to address a chronic kidney infection.