How To Use CPT Code 54120

CPT 54120 describes the partial amputation of the penis due to severe injury or disease. 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 54120?

CPT 54120 is used to describe the partial amputation of the penis. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider in cases of serious injury or disease affecting the penis. The provider removes only the distal part of the penis, leaving enough of the shaft or urethra for the passage of urine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 54120 is: ‘Amputation of penis; partial.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing a partial amputation of the penis, the healthcare provider begins by making an incision in the penile shaft.
2. The provider carefully divides the underlying structures and removes the abnormal or injured tissues.
3. It is important for the provider to leave enough of the shaft or urethra to allow for the passage of urine.
4. Finally, the provider closes the incision with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 54120 is used when there is a severe injury or disease of the penis that requires partial amputation. This procedure is performed by a healthcare provider who is appropriately trained and qualified to perform the surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 54120

CPT code 54120 should be used when a partial amputation of the penis is performed due to a severe injury or disease. It is important to accurately document the reason for the procedure and ensure that it meets the criteria for partial amputation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 54120, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The reason for the partial amputation, such as a severe injury or disease
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, removal of tissues, and closure of the incision
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 54120, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for partial amputation of the penis. It is important to accurately document the reason for the procedure and provide any necessary supporting documentation. CPT code 54120 should not be reported with other codes unless there are specific circumstances that warrant the use of a modifier. It is recommended to consult the official coding guidelines and payer policies for specific billing requirements.

8. Historical information

CPT 54120 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 patient undergoes a partial amputation of the penis due to a severe injury sustained in a car accident.
2. A healthcare provider performs a partial amputation of the penis to remove a cancerous tumor.
3. A patient with a severe infection in the penile shaft undergoes a partial amputation to prevent the spread of the infection.
4. A healthcare provider performs a partial amputation of the penis to alleviate chronic pain caused by a penile injury.
5. A patient with a congenital abnormality undergoes a partial amputation of the penis to improve urinary function.
6. A healthcare provider performs a partial amputation of the penis to remove a necrotic tissue caused by a severe infection.
7. A patient with a penile injury resulting from a workplace accident undergoes a partial amputation to facilitate healing and prevent further complications.
8. A healthcare provider performs a partial amputation of the penis to treat a severe case of priapism.
9. A patient with a penile injury caused by a dog bite undergoes a partial amputation to repair the damaged tissues.
10. A healthcare provider performs a partial amputation of the penis to remove a foreign object lodged in the penile shaft.