How To Use CPT Code 50329

CPT 50329 describes the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation, specifically the ureteral 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 50329?

CPT 50329 is used to describe the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation, specifically the ureteral anastomosis. This code is used when the provider prepares the renal allograft, including joining arteries, from a cadaver or living donor kidney for transplantation.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50329 is: ‘Backbench reconstruction of cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation; ureteral anastomosis, each.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the renal allograft, which includes joining arteries, from a cadaver or living donor kidney for transplantation.
2. The provider cleans the kidney with cold solution to remove any remaining blood or tissue from the donor kidney.
3. The provider performs the ureteral anastomosis, which involves joining the ureter of the donor kidney to the recipient’s ureter.
4. If the donor kidney has a kidney or ureteral anomaly, such as double ureters, the provider may need to perform separate anastomoses for each ureter.
5. Once the ureteral anastomosis is completed, the renal allograft is ready for transplantation.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50329 is used when the provider performs the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation. This procedure is typically performed when the donor kidney has a kidney or ureteral anomaly that requires special attention during the transplantation process.

5. When to use CPT code 50329

CPT code 50329 should be used when the provider performs the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation. This code should not be used for any other procedures or circumstances.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50329, the provider must document the following information:

• Details of the backbench reconstruction procedure, including the preparation of the renal allograft and the ureteral anastomosis
• Any kidney or ureteral anomalies present in the donor kidney
• Date and time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures performed during the backbench reconstruction
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50329, ensure that the procedure performed is the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver or living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation. This code should not be reported with any other codes, as it represents a specific and distinct procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 50329 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2005. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in future editions of the CPT manual.

9. Examples

1. A provider performing the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver donor renal allograft prior to transplantation.
2. A provider performing the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a living donor renal allograft prior to transplantation.
3. A provider performing separate ureteral anastomoses for a cadaver donor kidney with double ureters.
4. A provider performing the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a living donor renal allograft with a ureteral anomaly.
5. A provider performing the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver donor renal allograft with a kidney or ureteral anomaly.
6. A provider performing the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a living donor renal allograft with a kidney or ureteral anomaly.
7. A provider performing the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver donor renal allograft with multiple ureteral anomalies.
8. A provider performing the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a living donor renal allograft with multiple ureteral anomalies.
9. A provider performing the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a cadaver donor renal allograft with complex kidney or ureteral anomalies.
10. A provider performing the ureteral anastomosis as part of the backbench reconstruction of a living donor renal allograft with complex kidney or ureteral anomalies.