How To Use CPT Code 55120

CPT 55120 describes the procedure for the removal of a foreign body in the scrotum. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 55120?

CPT 55120 is used to describe the removal of a foreign body from the scrotum. This code is used when a healthcare provider performs a procedure to remove an object that has entered the scrotum due to a traumatic injury. The purpose of this procedure is to prevent further damage to the scrotum and its contents.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 55120 is the “Removal of foreign body in scrotum.” This code specifically refers to the removal of a foreign object from the scrotum after a traumatic injury. It is important to note that this code does not provide further details about the type of foreign body being removed.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider will ensure that the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. An incision is made in the scrotum, extending through the three layers of the scrotum.
3. The provider identifies and removes the foreign body using forceps or a grasping instrument.
4. The site is flushed with sterile saline to ensure cleanliness.
5. Throughout the procedure, the provider takes care to avoid any injury to the surrounding structures.
6. The incision in the scrotum is closed using sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 55120 is used when a foreign body needs to be removed from the scrotum after a traumatic injury. The foreign body can be any object that has entered the scrotum from outside the body or displaced from another location within the body. It is important to note that this code does not specify the type of foreign body being removed.

5. When to use CPT code 55120

CPT code 55120 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the procedure to remove a foreign body from the scrotum. This code is appropriate when the removal is necessary due to a traumatic injury. It is important to note that this code does not provide further details about the type of foreign body being removed.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 55120, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The reason for the procedure, including the traumatic injury that necessitated the removal of the foreign body
• A detailed description of the procedure performed, including the specific steps taken
• The date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• The signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 55120, ensure that the procedure performed is the removal of a foreign body from the scrotum. This code should not be reported if the provider explores the scrotum for any defect or abnormality, in which case CPT code 55110 should be used. Additionally, if the procedure involves the removal of a testicular prosthesis from the scrotum, CPT code 55120 should be reported. It is important to note that this code does not provide further details about the type of foreign body being removed.

8. Historical information

CPT code 55120 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to this code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider removes a shard of metal from the scrotum of a patient who suffered a traumatic injury.
2. A patient presents with a bone fragment in the scrotum after a car accident, and a healthcare provider performs a procedure to remove it.
3. A foreign object enters the scrotum of a patient during a workplace accident, and a healthcare provider removes it to prevent further damage.
4. A patient sustains a sports-related injury that results in a foreign body in the scrotum, and a healthcare provider performs a procedure to remove it.
5. A healthcare provider removes a small piece of glass from the scrotum of a patient who experienced a traumatic injury.
6. After a motorcycle accident, a patient has a foreign object lodged in the scrotum, and a healthcare provider performs a procedure to remove it.
7. A patient presents with a foreign body in the scrotum after a fall, and a healthcare provider removes it to prevent infection.
8. A healthcare provider removes a splinter from the scrotum of a patient who sustained a traumatic injury while working with wood.
9. A patient presents with a foreign object in the scrotum after a bicycle accident, and a healthcare provider performs a procedure to remove it.
10. After a construction accident, a patient has a foreign body in the scrotum, and a healthcare provider removes it to prevent further injury.