How To Use CPT Code 50250

CPT 50250 describes the cryosurgical ablation of one or more renal mass lesions, using intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring if necessary. 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 50250?

CPT 50250 can be used to describe the cryosurgical ablation of one or more renal mass lesions. This procedure involves the use of very low temperatures to freeze and destroy the targeted mass lesion, tumor cells, or cancer cells within the kidney. The cryosurgical ablation is performed by a physician under imaging guidance, using a probe containing liquid nitrogen. In some cases, intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring may be utilized to ensure accurate targeting and monitoring of the tissue temperature during the procedure.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50250 is: ‘Ablation, open, one or more renal mass lesion(s), cryosurgical, including intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring, if performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician makes an incision in the skin and inserts a probe containing liquid nitrogen into the kidney.
2. Under imaging guidance, the physician locates the mass lesion, tumor cells, or cancer cells within the kidney.
3. The physician uses the very cold liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the targeted tissues, monitoring the tissue temperature during the procedure.
4. If necessary, intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring may be used to ensure accurate targeting and monitoring of the tissue temperature.
5. After the cryosurgical ablation is complete, the physician sutures the incision site.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50250 is used for patients with renal mass lesions that require cryosurgical ablation. The procedure is typically performed on patients with kidney disorders, such as tumors or lesions. The use of intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring is optional but may be necessary in certain cases to ensure accurate targeting and monitoring of the tissue temperature during the procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 50250

CPT code 50250 should be used when a physician performs cryosurgical ablation on one or more renal mass lesions. This code is appropriate when the procedure involves the use of intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring, if performed. It is important to note that CPT code 50250 is specifically for open cryosurgical ablation procedures. For laparoscopic ablation of renal mass lesions, a different code (50542) should be used. For percutaneous ablation of renal tumors, refer to codes 50592 and 50593.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 50250, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for cryosurgical ablation
• Details of the procedure, including the use of intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring, if performed
• Date of the procedure
• Incision site and any sutures placed
• Monitoring of tissue temperature during the procedure, if applicable
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 50250, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for cryosurgical ablation of renal mass lesions. The use of intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring, if performed, should be documented. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements of the payer when submitting the claim for reimbursement. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers or additional codes that may be required for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 50250 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2006. Since its addition, there have been a few historical changes to the code, including updates to the code description and the inclusion of the procedure under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare reimbursement in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A physician performing cryosurgical ablation on a renal mass lesion using intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring.
2. A patient with a kidney tumor undergoing cryosurgical ablation with the assistance of intraoperative ultrasound guidance.
3. A physician using cryosurgical ablation to treat multiple renal mass lesions in a patient, monitoring the tissue temperature throughout the procedure.
4. A renal cancer patient receiving cryosurgical ablation on a renal mass lesion, with the use of intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring.
5. A physician performing open cryosurgical ablation on a renal mass lesion, ensuring accurate targeting and monitoring of the tissue temperature.
6. A patient with multiple renal mass lesions undergoing cryosurgical ablation, with the physician utilizing intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring.
7. A physician performing cryosurgical ablation on a renal mass lesion, monitoring the tissue temperature to ensure effective destruction of the targeted tissues.
8. A patient with a kidney tumor receiving cryosurgical ablation, with the physician using intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring to guide the procedure.
9. A physician performing open cryosurgical ablation on one or more renal mass lesions, utilizing intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring if necessary.
10. A renal cancer patient undergoing cryosurgical ablation on a renal mass lesion, with the physician ensuring accurate targeting and monitoring of the tissue temperature.