How To Use CPT Code 54056

CPT 54056 describes the destruction of lesions on the penis using cryosurgery. 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 54056?

CPT 54056 is used to describe the destruction of lesions on the penis using cryosurgery. This procedure involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the lesion, which freezes and destroys it. The purpose of this procedure is to eradicate the lesion and relieve any associated pain.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 54056 is: ‘Destruction of lesion(s), penis (eg, condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, herpetic vesicle), simple; cryosurgery.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by appropriately prepping, draping, and anesthetizing the patient.
2. Next, the provider identifies and marks the penile lesion that requires destruction.
3. Using a cryosurgical instrument, the provider applies liquid nitrogen to the lesion, either by direct application or by dipping a cotton applicator into the liquid nitrogen and applying it to the lesion.
4. The provider ensures that the treatment is applied only to the specific lesion, protecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
5. No incision or suturing is required for this procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 54056 is used for the destruction of various types of lesions on the penis, including condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, and herpetic vesicle. The procedure is performed using cryosurgery, which involves the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the lesion. This procedure does not require any incision or suturing.

5. When to use CPT code 54056

CPT code 54056 should be used when a provider performs cryosurgery to destroy lesions on the penis. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to simple lesions and does not include cases where chemicals, electrodesiccation, laser surgery, or surgical excision are used. If any of these alternative techniques are employed, the appropriate corresponding CPT code should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 54056, the provider must document the following information:

• The diagnosis of the patient and the need for lesion destruction
• The specific lesion(s) being treated
• The date of the procedure
• A detailed description of the cryosurgical technique used
• Any additional relevant information, such as the size or location of the lesion
• The provider’s signature

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 54056, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed is cryosurgery for the destruction of lesions on the penis. This code should not be reported if alternative techniques, such as chemical destruction, electrodesiccation, laser surgery, or surgical excision, are used. It is also important to note that extensive lesions may require the use of different codes, such as CPT code 54065. Proper documentation and accurate coding are essential for appropriate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT code 54056 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs cryosurgery to destroy a condyloma on a patient’s penis.
2. Using liquid nitrogen, a provider freezes and destroys a papilloma on a patient’s penis.
3. A provider uses cryosurgery to eradicate a molluscum contagiosum lesion on a patient’s penis.
4. Using cryosurgery, a provider treats a herpetic vesicle on a patient’s penis.
5. A patient undergoes cryosurgery to destroy multiple lesions on their penis, including condyloma, papilloma, molluscum contagiosum, and herpetic vesicle.