How To Use CPT Code 50325

CPT 50325 describes the backbench standard preparation of a living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation. 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 50325?

CPT 50325 can be used to describe the backbench standard preparation of a living donor renal allograft before it is transplanted into a recipient. This code is used when the provider performs various procedures to prepare the kidney for transplantation, including the dissection and removal of perinephric fat, and the preparation of ureter(s), renal vein(s), and renal artery(s).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50325 is: ‘Backbench standard preparation of living donor renal allograft (open or laparoscopic) prior to transplantation, including dissection and removal of perinephric fat and preparation of ureter(s), renal vein(s), and renal artery(s), ligating branches, as necessary.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider moves the kidney, previously harvested from a living donor, to a back table basin and places it in cold preservation solution.
2. She separates all perinephric fat and surrounding structures of the kidney.
3. The provider removes the essential structures attached to the kidney, such as the vena cava, aorta, perinephric tissue, and adrenal glands.
4. She incises the renal arteries and ties them tightly.
5. The provider separates the renal vein from its branches and ties any branches tightly.
6. She removes the lymphatic tissue surrounding the artery and checks for any lymph fluid leaks.
7. The provider prepares the ureter, taking care to protect any vascular framework.
8. She washes the renal vessels with crystalloid solution to identify any vascular leaks or the need for repair.
9. Once all the important structures of the kidney are removed, it is ready for transplant.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50325 is performed when a living donor kidney needs to be prepared for transplantation. The provider must perform the backbench standard preparation, which includes the dissection and removal of perinephric fat, and the preparation of ureter(s), renal vein(s), and renal artery(s). The provider may also need to ligate branches as necessary. This code is used for both open and laparoscopic procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 50325

CPT code 50325 should be used when a provider performs the backbench standard preparation of a living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation. It is important to note that this code is specific to the preparation of a living donor kidney and should not be used for other types of renal transplants or procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50325, the provider must document the following information:

• Confirmation that the procedure was performed on a living donor renal allograft
• Details of the backbench standard preparation, including the dissection and removal of perinephric fat, and the preparation of ureter(s), renal vein(s), and renal artery(s)
• Any branches that were ligated during the procedure
• Any additional procedures or repairs performed during the backbench standard preparation
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50325, ensure that the procedure performed is the backbench standard preparation of a living donor renal allograft. This code should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures or repairs were performed during the backbench standard preparation. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing and reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 50325 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. In 2017, it was added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performing the backbench standard preparation of a living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation.
2. A urologist preparing a living donor kidney for transplantation by dissecting and removing perinephric fat, and preparing the ureter, renal vein, and renal artery.
3. A transplant surgeon performing the backbench standard preparation of a living donor renal allograft using a laparoscopic approach.
4. A surgical team preparing a living donor kidney for transplantation by ligating branches and ensuring the proper dissection and removal of perinephric fat.
5. A nephrologist performing the backbench standard preparation of a living donor renal allograft, including the preparation of ureter(s), renal vein(s), and renal artery(s).