How To Use CPT Code 50549

CPT 50549 describes a laparoscopic renal procedure that does not have a specific code. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 50549?

CPT 50549 can be used to report a laparoscopic renal procedure that does not have a specific code. This code is used when the provider performs a laparoscopic procedure on the kidney that is not represented by any of the standard and active CPT codes available.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50549 is: ‘Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, renal.’ Please note that for laparoscopic drainage of lymphocele to the peritoneal cavity, you should use code 49323.

3. Procedure

1. The provider performs a laparoscopic renal procedure that is not represented by any specific CPT code.
2. The procedure typically involves making several incisions in the abdomen, inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide for better exposure, inserting a scope through one of the incisions to examine the abdomen, and using the other incisions for inserting instruments.
3. The provider places devices called ports to keep the incisions open, removes the ports at the conclusion of the procedure, and typically closes the small incisions with staples or sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

There are no specific qualifying circumstances mentioned for CPT code 50549. However, this code is used when the laparoscopic renal procedure performed by the provider does not have a specific code available.

5. When to use CPT code 50549

CPT code 50549 should be used when the provider performs a laparoscopic renal procedure that does not have a specific code available. It is important to note that you should not choose a code that merely approximates the service provided. If no specific procedure or service code exists, you should report the service using the appropriate unlisted procedure code, which in this case is 50549.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 50549, it is important to provide the following documentation:

• A cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code
• One or more similar codes to compare the service provided
• Operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 50549, it is important to follow these guidelines:

• Submit a cover letter explaining the reason for choosing the unlisted code instead of a defined, active code
• Include one or more similar codes and compare the service provided to justify the claim amount
• Include operative notes or other relevant documentation to strengthen the claim and avoid a possible denial

8. Historical information

CPT code 50549 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2000. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a laparoscopic renal procedure to remove a benign tumor from the kidney.
2. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic renal procedure for the treatment of kidney stones.
3. A provider performs a laparoscopic renal procedure to repair a congenital abnormality in the kidney.
4. A laparoscopic renal procedure is performed to remove a cyst from the kidney.
5. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic renal procedure for the evaluation and biopsy of a suspicious mass in the kidney.
6. A provider performs a laparoscopic renal procedure to treat a kidney infection.
7. A laparoscopic renal procedure is performed to remove a foreign object from the kidney.
8. A patient undergoes a laparoscopic renal procedure for the treatment of a kidney abscess.
9. A provider performs a laparoscopic renal procedure to address a blockage in the kidney.
10. A laparoscopic renal procedure is performed to repair a damaged blood vessel in the kidney.