How To Use CPT Code 50500

CPT 50500 describes the suturing of a kidney wound or injury. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 50500?

CPT 50500 is used to describe the procedure of suturing a kidney wound or injury. It involves making an incision between the posterior ribs and the uppermost crest of the ilium, followed by cutting perirenal muscles and dissecting perirenal fat and surrounding renal fascia to expose the injured kidney. The provider then repairs the wound using sutures, rinses the wound with sterile saline solution to evaluate any supplementary injuries, controls bleeding, and places a drainage tube through a separate incision. Finally, the provider closes the incision site in layers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50500 is ‘Nephrorrhaphy, suture of kidney wound or injury.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider makes an incision between the posterior ribs and the uppermost crest of the ilium.
2. Perirenal muscles are cut, and perirenal fat is dissected.
3. The provider dissects the surrounding renal fascia to expose the injured kidney.
4. The wound is repaired using sutures.
5. The provider rinses the wound with sterile saline solution to evaluate any supplementary injuries.
6. Bleeding is controlled.
7. A separate incision is made for placement of a drainage tube.
8. The incision site is closed in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50500 is performed when there is a kidney wound or injury that requires suturing. The procedure is typically done when the patient is prepped and anesthetized. It is important to note that only qualified healthcare professionals should perform this procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 50500

CPT code 50500 should be used when a provider sutures a kidney wound or injury. It is important to ensure that the procedure is documented accurately and that the patient’s condition warrants the use of this code.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50500, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for suturing of the kidney wound or injury
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site, suturing technique, and any supplementary injuries evaluated
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50500, ensure that the procedure is accurately documented and meets the requirements for this code. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and to use the appropriate modifiers if necessary. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling issues that may affect the billing of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 50500 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions that may occur in the future.

9. Examples

1. A patient sustains a kidney injury due to a car accident, and the provider performs suturing of the kidney wound.
2. During a surgical procedure, the provider discovers a kidney laceration and sutures the wound to repair it.
3. A patient presents with a penetrating injury to the kidney, and the provider performs suturing to close the wound.
4. Following a traumatic incident, the provider identifies a kidney wound and performs suturing to ensure proper healing.
5. A patient undergoes a surgical procedure, and the provider discovers an incidental kidney injury that requires suturing.
6. During a diagnostic procedure, the provider identifies a kidney wound and performs suturing to prevent further complications.
7. A patient experiences a sports-related injury that results in a kidney wound, and the provider performs suturing to promote healing.
8. Following a surgical intervention, the provider identifies a kidney injury and performs suturing to repair the damage.
9. A patient presents with a stab wound to the kidney, and the provider performs suturing to close the wound and prevent infection.
10. During a laparoscopic procedure, the provider identifies a kidney laceration and performs suturing to ensure proper healing.