How To Use CPT Code 54055

CPT 54055 describes the destruction of lesion(s) on the penis using electrodesiccation. 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 54055?

CPT 54055 is used to describe the destruction of lesion(s) on the penis using electrodesiccation. This procedure involves the use of high-frequency electric current to locally destroy the lesion(s) and relieve any associated pain. It is typically performed by a healthcare provider to eradicate the lesion(s) and ensure the preservation of surrounding healthy tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 54055 is: ‘Destruction of lesion(s), penis (eg, condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, herpetic vesicle), simple; electrodesiccation.’

3. Procedure

1. After appropriate preparation, draping, and anesthesia, the healthcare provider identifies and marks the penile lesion(s) to be treated.
2. Using electrodesiccation, the provider applies a high level of electric current to the marked lesion(s), effectively destroying them from the base.
3. Throughout the procedure, the provider ensures that the treatment is applied only to the specific lesion(s) and takes precautions to protect the surrounding healthy tissue.
4. No incision or suturing is required for the electrodesiccation of penile lesion(s).

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 54055 is used when a healthcare provider performs the destruction of lesion(s) on the penis using electrodesiccation. This procedure is typically indicated for conditions such as condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, or herpetic vesicle. It is important to note that other techniques, such as cryosurgery, laser surgery, or surgical excision, may require different CPT codes.

5. When to use CPT code 54055

CPT code 54055 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the destruction of lesion(s) on the penis using electrodesiccation. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If other techniques, such as cryosurgery, laser surgery, or surgical excision, are used, different CPT codes should be reported.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 54055, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the destruction of lesion(s) on the penis
• Specific details of the procedure, including the use of electrodesiccation
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Number and location of lesion(s) treated
• Any additional relevant information, such as the preservation of surrounding healthy tissue
• Provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 54055, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately report the use of electrodesiccation for the destruction of lesion(s) on the penis. If other techniques are used, different CPT codes should be reported. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT code 54055 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs electrodesiccation to destroy a condyloma on the penis.
2. A patient undergoes the destruction of a papilloma on the penis using electrodesiccation.
3. A healthcare provider uses electrodesiccation to treat a molluscum contagiosum lesion on the penis.
4. An individual receives electrodesiccation to destroy a herpetic vesicle on the penis.
5. A healthcare provider performs the destruction of multiple lesions on the penis using electrodesiccation.
6. A patient undergoes electrodesiccation to treat a combination of condyloma and papilloma on the penis.
7. A healthcare provider uses electrodesiccation to destroy a molluscum contagiosum lesion and a herpetic vesicle on the penis.
8. An individual receives electrodesiccation to treat multiple condylomas on the penis.
9. A healthcare provider performs the destruction of a papilloma and a molluscum contagiosum lesion on the penis using electrodesiccation.
10. A patient undergoes electrodesiccation to treat a combination of condyloma, papilloma, and herpetic vesicle on the penis.