How To Use CPT Code 50327

CPT 50327 describes the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation, specifically the venous anastomosis. 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 50327?

CPT 50327 can be used to describe the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation, specifically the venous anastomosis. This code is used when the provider extends the renal vein on a kidney from either a cadaver or living donor in preparation for transplantation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50327 is: ‘Backbench reconstruction of cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation; venous anastomosis, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs backbench venous reconstruction to extend the renal vein on a kidney from either a cadaver or living donor prior to transplantation.
2. The provider constructs a renal vein extension graft, often using a portion of the vena cava or the cadaver donor’s iliac.
3. The provider attaches the graft to the renal vein using sutures and may use a small vein patch for proper coverage.
4. This code should be reported once for each venous anastomosis performed by the provider.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Qualifying circumstances for CPT 50327 include the need for backbench preparation on a kidney for transplant and the construction of a renal vein extension graft. The provider must perform the venous anastomosis on a cadaver or living donor renal allograft. The code should be reported for each venous anastomosis performed by the provider.

5. When to use CPT code 50327

CPT code 50327 should be used when the provider performs the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation, specifically the venous anastomosis. This code should be reported for each venous anastomosis performed by the provider.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50327, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for backbench reconstruction of the renal allograft
• Details of the renal vein extension graft, including the source of the graft (vena cava or cadaver donor’s iliac)
• Description of the venous anastomosis procedure, including any additional techniques used
• Number of venous anastomoses performed by the provider
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50327, ensure that the provider performs the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation, specifically the venous anastomosis. This code should be reported for each venous anastomosis performed by the provider. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 50327 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 50327 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs backbench reconstruction of a cadaver renal allograft prior to transplantation, specifically the venous anastomosis.
2. A provider extends the renal vein on a living donor renal allograft in preparation for transplantation, performing the venous anastomosis.
3. A provider constructs a renal vein extension graft using a portion of the vena cava and attaches it to the renal vein during backbench reconstruction of a cadaver renal allograft, performing the venous anastomosis.
4. A provider performs multiple venous anastomoses on a living donor renal allograft during backbench reconstruction.
5. A provider performs backbench reconstruction of a cadaver renal allograft, performing the venous anastomosis and documenting the details of the procedure.
6. A provider performs backbench reconstruction of a living donor renal allograft, constructing a renal vein extension graft and attaching it to the renal vein during the venous anastomosis.
7. A provider performs backbench reconstruction of a cadaver renal allograft, performing multiple venous anastomoses and documenting each procedure.
8. A provider performs backbench reconstruction of a living donor renal allograft, performing the venous anastomosis and obtaining the necessary signatures for documentation.
9. A provider performs backbench reconstruction of a cadaver renal allograft, documenting the indication for the procedure and the details of the venous anastomosis.
10. A provider performs backbench reconstruction of a living donor renal allograft, performing the venous anastomosis and reporting the code for each procedure performed.