How To Use CPT Code 50543

CPT 50543 describes the laparoscopic surgical procedure of partial nephrectomy, which involves the removal of a portion of the kidney. This article will provide an overview of CPT 50543, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 50543?

CPT 50543 is a code used to describe a laparoscopic surgical procedure known as partial nephrectomy. This procedure involves the removal of a specific portion of the kidney. It is important to note that CPT 50543 is specifically for laparoscopic procedures, and if an open procedure is performed, a different code, such as 50240, should be used.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50543 is: ‘Laparoscopy, surgical; partial nephrectomy.’ This code is used when a provider utilizes a laparoscopic technique to remove part of a kidney.

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned in the prone position, or supine position for kidney transplant patients, and the surgical site is prepared and draped in a sterile manner.
2. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes several small incisions below the rib cage.
3. A laparoscope, along with other specialized instruments, is inserted through the incisions to visualize and access the kidney.
4. The surgeon disconnects the ureter, which is the connection from the kidney to the bladder, as well as the blood vessels supplying the kidney.
5. A specific portion of the kidney is then removed using the laparoscopic instruments.
6. At the conclusion of the procedure, the small incisions are closed with staples or sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50543 is typically performed on patients who require the removal of a specific portion of their kidney. This procedure may be necessary for various reasons, such as the presence of a tumor or other kidney conditions. It is important to note that CPT 50543 is specifically for laparoscopic partial nephrectomy procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 50543

CPT code 50543 should be used when a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy procedure is performed. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If an open procedure is performed instead, a different code, such as 50240, should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT 50543, the following documentation should be included:

• Indication for the procedure, such as the presence of a tumor or other kidney condition
• Details of the laparoscopic technique used
• Date of the procedure
• Specific portion of the kidney removed
• Any additional procedures performed during the same operative session
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the performing surgeon

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50543, it is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. Additionally, it is important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer. It is also important to note that there are other codes available for different types of nephrectomy procedures, such as radical nephrectomy or nephrectomy with total removal of the ureter and bladder cuff.

8. Historical information

CPT 50543 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to remove a tumor from a patient’s kidney.
2. A patient with a kidney condition undergoes a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to remove a specific portion of their kidney.
3. A laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is performed on a patient with a congenital kidney abnormality.
4. A surgeon utilizes a laparoscopic technique to remove a specific portion of a patient’s kidney during a partial nephrectomy procedure.
5. A laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is performed on a patient with a history of kidney disease.
6. A surgeon removes a tumor from a patient’s kidney using a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy technique.
7. A laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is performed on a patient with a suspected kidney malignancy.
8. A patient with a kidney condition undergoes a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to improve kidney function.
9. A surgeon performs a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy to remove a cyst from a patient’s kidney.
10. A laparoscopic partial nephrectomy is performed on a patient with a kidney injury.