How To Use CPT Code 55500

CPT 55500 describes the excision of a hydrocele of the spermatic cord, which is a separate procedure performed to relieve pain or discomfort and restore fertility. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 55500?

CPT 55500 is used to describe the excision of a hydrocele of the spermatic cord, which involves the removal of a fluid-filled sac from the scrotum. This procedure is performed to alleviate pain or discomfort and may also be done to restore fertility. It is important to note that CPT 55500 should not be reported if it is performed as part of a larger, related service.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 55500 is: ‘Excision of hydrocele of spermatic cord, unilateral (separate procedure).’ This code specifically refers to the excision of a hydrocele from the spermatic cord on one side of the scrotum.

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the provider makes an incision in the scrotum after the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized.
2. The provider then identifies the hydrocele, which is a fluid collection within a sac in the scrotal area.
3. Carefully dissecting the tissues of the spermatic cord, the provider excises the hydrocele while preserving the nerves and vessels of the testis.
4. A drain may be placed, and the incision in the scrotum is closed with sutures in layers.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 55500 is performed on patients who have a hydrocele, which is a fluid collection within a sac in the scrotal area. The procedure is typically done to relieve pain or discomfort and may also be performed to restore fertility. It is important to note that CPT 55500 is specific to the excision of a hydrocele of the spermatic cord on one side of the scrotum.

5. When to use CPT code 55500

CPT code 55500 should be used when the provider performs a separate procedure to excise a hydrocele of the spermatic cord on one side of the scrotum. It should not be reported if the excision is performed as part of a larger, related service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 55500, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of a hydrocele
• Details of the procedure, including the incision, excision of the hydrocele, preservation of nerves and vessels, and closure of the incision
• Any additional procedures performed in conjunction with the excision of the hydrocele
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 55500, ensure that the excision of the hydrocele is performed as a separate procedure. Do not report CPT 55500 if it is performed as part of a larger, related service. It is important to review the documentation and accurately code the procedure. If the provider excises a lesion from the spermatic cord, a separate procedure code, such as CPT 55520, should be used.

8. Historical information

CPT 55500 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 an excision of a hydrocele of the spermatic cord to relieve pain and discomfort in the scrotum.
2. A provider performs a separate procedure to excise a hydrocele of the spermatic cord to restore fertility in a patient.
3. An individual undergoes an excision of a hydrocele of the spermatic cord on one side of the scrotum as a standalone procedure.
4. A patient with a hydrocele of the spermatic cord undergoes an excision to alleviate pain and discomfort.
5. A provider performs an excision of a hydrocele of the spermatic cord on one side of the scrotum to restore fertility in a patient.
6. An individual undergoes a separate procedure to excise a hydrocele of the spermatic cord to relieve pain and discomfort in the scrotum.
7. A patient with a hydrocele of the spermatic cord undergoes an excision to restore fertility.
8. A provider performs an excision of a hydrocele of the spermatic cord on one side of the scrotum as a standalone procedure to alleviate pain and discomfort.
9. An individual undergoes a separate procedure to excise a hydrocele of the spermatic cord to restore fertility in the scrotum.
10. A patient with a hydrocele of the spermatic cord undergoes an excision to relieve pain and discomfort and restore fertility.