How To Use CPT Code 50370

CPT 50370 describes the removal of a previously transplanted renal allograft from the recipient due to rejection. 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 50370?

CPT 50370 can be used to describe the surgical procedure of removing a previously transplanted donor kidney from the recipient. This procedure is performed when the recipient’s body rejects the transplanted kidney. It involves making an incision in the lower abdomen, dissecting the muscles and fatty tissue, ligating the blood vessels, and closing the incision site.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50370 is the “Removal of transplanted renal allograft.” This code is used when a provider removes a previously transplanted kidney from the recipient due to rejection.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is prepped and anesthetized.
2. A skin incision is made in the lower abdomen to access the previously transplanted kidney.
3. The provider dissects the muscles, fatty tissue, and fascia to expose the kidney.
4. The kidney is carefully removed.
5. The remaining blood vessels are ligated (tied off).
6. A plastic tube may be placed into the wound site through a separate pierce incision to prevent the formation of a hematoma (blood clot).
7. The incision site is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50370 is performed when a previously transplanted kidney is rejected by the recipient’s body. This procedure is only applicable to cases where the recipient’s body is unable to tolerate the transplanted kidney and it needs to be removed. The patient must have undergone a renal transplantation procedure in the past.

5. When to use CPT code 50370

CPT code 50370 should be used when a provider performs the surgical removal of a previously transplanted renal allograft due to rejection. It should not be used for other reasons, such as routine removal of a functioning transplanted kidney or removal of a native kidney.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50370, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the removal of the transplanted kidney (rejection)
• Details of the surgical procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50370, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for this code, which is the removal of a previously transplanted renal allograft due to rejection. It is important to accurately document the reason for the removal and provide the necessary supporting documentation. CPT code 50370 should not be reported with other codes unless additional procedures or interventions were performed during the same session.

8. Historical information

CPT 50370 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has undergone a Medicare change in 2017, where it was added under the Inpatient Only (IPO) list.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes the removal of a previously transplanted kidney due to rejection.
2. A provider performs the surgical removal of a transplanted kidney that is no longer functioning properly.
3. A recipient’s body rejects a transplanted kidney, and the provider performs the necessary procedure to remove it.
4. A patient with a history of renal transplantation requires the removal of a transplanted kidney due to rejection.
5. A provider performs the surgical removal of a transplanted kidney to prevent further complications caused by rejection.
6. A previously transplanted kidney is removed from the recipient due to rejection, and the provider ensures proper documentation of the procedure.
7. A patient undergoes the removal of a transplanted kidney that is causing severe complications due to rejection.
8. A provider performs the surgical removal of a previously transplanted kidney to improve the patient’s overall health and well-being.
9. A recipient’s body rejects a transplanted kidney, and the provider determines that removal is necessary for the patient’s safety.
10. A patient requires the removal of a transplanted kidney due to rejection, and the provider performs the procedure with precision and care.