How To Use CPT Code 55150

CPT 55150 describes the resection of the scrotum, a procedure performed by a healthcare provider to remove damaged or diseased tissue in the scrotum. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 55150?

CPT 55150 is a code used to describe the resection of the scrotum, a surgical procedure performed by a healthcare provider to remove damaged or diseased tissue in the scrotum. This code is used when the provider makes an incision at the site of the defect in the scrotum, excises the affected scrotal tissue along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue, and closes the incision.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 55150 is: ‘Resection of scrotum.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing the resection of the scrotum, the healthcare provider first preps and anesthetizes the patient.
2. An incision is made at the site of the defect in the scrotum.
3. The affected scrotal tissue, along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue, is excised.
4. The provider then returns the testes and the spermatic cord to their normal position.
5. The area is irrigated, checked for bleeding, and any instruments are removed.
6. Finally, the incision is closed.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 55150 is performed when there is a need to remove damaged or diseased tissue in the scrotum. This may be due to trauma, infection, or other conditions affecting the scrotum. The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider who is trained and qualified to perform surgical interventions.

5. When to use CPT code 55150

CPT code 55150 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a resection of the scrotum to remove damaged or diseased tissue. It is important to note that this code does not specify the extent of the resection, so it can be used for both partial and complete resections of the scrotum.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 55150, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The reason for the scrotum resection, such as trauma, infection, or other conditions
• Details of the procedure, including the incision site and the extent of tissue excision
• Any additional procedures performed in conjunction with the scrotum resection
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Post-operative care instructions, if applicable
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 55150, ensure that the procedure performed is a resection of the scrotum. It is important to accurately document the extent of the resection and any additional procedures performed. Modifier 51, Multiple procedures, may be appended to CPT 55150 if the partial scrotum resection was performed in addition to another procedure.

8. Historical information

CPT 55150 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 a resection of the scrotum to remove damaged tissue caused by trauma.
2. A patient undergoes a scrotum resection to treat an infection in the scrotal tissue.
3. A healthcare provider performs a partial scrotum resection as part of a larger surgical procedure.
4. A patient with a scrotal tumor undergoes a complete resection of the scrotum to remove the tumor.
5. A healthcare provider performs a scrotum resection to address scrotal tissue damage caused by a chronic condition.