How To Use CPT Code 54437

CPT 54437 describes the repair of traumatic corporeal tear(s) in the corpora cavernosa, which is the spongelike tissue in the penile shaft region that contains most of the blood during an erection. 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 54437?

CPT 54437 is used to describe the repair of tear(s) in the corpora cavernosa, which is the tissue in the penile shaft that fills with blood during an erection. This code is used when a provider performs a surgical procedure to repair the tear(s) in the corpora cavernosa caused by trauma.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 54437 is: ‘Repair of traumatic corporeal tear(s)’. There are no additional notes or modifiers associated with this code.

3. Procedure

1. The provider begins by degloving the penis, which involves removing the outer skin to expose the corpora cavernosa.
2. To localize the tear(s) or later check the tightness of the repair, the provider may inject saline or indigo carmine, a blue dye.
3. Any blood clots are removed, and bleeding is controlled using clamps, pressure, or sutures.
4. If there is any damaged tissue that cannot be repaired, it is removed.
5. The provider then sutures the identified tear(s) in the corpora cavernosa.
6. The penile skin is replaced, and the penis is wrapped with a bandage.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 54437 is used for the repair of traumatic corporeal tear(s) in the corpora cavernosa. This procedure is performed when there is a tear in the spongelike tissue of the penile shaft due to trauma. It is important to note that this code specifically refers to the repair of the corpora cavernosa and not the urethra, which has separate codes for repair (53410, 53415).

5. When to use CPT code 54437

CPT code 54437 should be used when a provider performs a surgical repair of traumatic corporeal tear(s) in the corpora cavernosa. This code is appropriate for cases where there is a tear in the spongelike tissue of the penile shaft caused by trauma. It should not be used for repairs of the urethra, as there are separate codes for that.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 54437, the provider must document the following information:

• Description of the traumatic corporeal tear(s) being repaired
• Details of the surgical procedure performed, including any injections, removal of blood clots, control of bleeding, removal of damaged tissue, and suturing of tear(s)
• Date of the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the repair

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 54437, ensure that the procedure performed is the repair of traumatic corporeal tear(s) in the corpora cavernosa. This code should not be reported with codes 98966 to 98968 if they have already been performed in the previous seven days. It is important to use the appropriate code for repair procedures on the penis, and in this case, CPT code 54437 is specific to the repair of traumatic corporeal tear(s) in the corpora cavernosa.

8. Historical information

CPT code 54437 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2016. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a traumatic tear in the corpora cavernosa due to a penile injury. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.
2. Following a car accident, a patient sustains a traumatic tear in the corpora cavernosa. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.
3. A patient reports a history of trauma to the penile shaft, resulting in a tear in the corpora cavernosa. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.
4. During a sporting event, a patient experiences a traumatic tear in the corpora cavernosa. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.
5. After a fall, a patient presents with a traumatic tear in the corpora cavernosa. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.
6. A patient sustains a traumatic tear in the corpora cavernosa during a workplace accident. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.
7. Following a physical altercation, a patient presents with a traumatic tear in the corpora cavernosa. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.
8. A patient reports a history of trauma to the penile shaft, resulting in a tear in the corpora cavernosa. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.
9. During a recreational activity, a patient experiences a traumatic tear in the corpora cavernosa. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.
10. After a fall, a patient presents with a traumatic tear in the corpora cavernosa. The provider performs a surgical repair of the tear(s) using CPT code 54437.