How To Use CPT Code 56740

CPT 56740 describes the excision of Bartholin’s gland or cyst. 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 56740?

CPT 56740 is used to describe the excision of Bartholin’s gland or cyst. This procedure is performed when there are persistent or recurrent abscesses or cysts in the Bartholin’s gland. The provider removes the gland or cyst to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 56740 is: ‘Excision of Bartholin’s gland or cyst.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider administers anesthesia to the patient and positions them in the dorsal lithotomy position.
2. The provider preps and drapes the perineum and examines the rectal and vaginal area to locate the gland or cyst.
3. A vaginal incision is made directly over the opening into the Bartholin’s gland.
4. The provider carefully excises the gland or cyst, taking care to control bleeding from the pudendal artery.
5. If a cyst is removed, a wedge-shaped vertical incision is made in the vaginal mucosa of the cyst.
6. The cyst wall is dissected from its bed using scissors, and the cystic cavity is irrigated with normal saline.
7. A small closed suction drain may be inserted into the wound and sutured in place.
8. The incisions are closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 56740 is performed for persistent and recurrent Bartholin’s gland abscesses or cysts. The procedure is indicated when conservative treatments have failed to resolve the condition, and the patient continues to experience symptoms. It is important to note that this code specifically applies to the excision of Bartholin’s gland or cyst and should not be used for other procedures, such as excision of Skene’s gland or urethral caruncle.

5. When to use CPT code 56740

CPT code 56740 should be used when the provider performs the excision of Bartholin’s gland or cyst. It is appropriate when the patient has persistent or recurrent abscesses or cysts in the Bartholin’s gland that require surgical intervention. This code should not be used for other procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 56740, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of persistent or recurrent Bartholin’s gland abscess or cyst
• Description of the excision procedure performed
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical technique used
• Any additional procedures performed, such as insertion of a drain
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Post-operative care instructions
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 56740, ensure that the procedure performed is the excision of Bartholin’s gland or cyst. It is important to use the correct code for the specific procedure performed and not to report unrelated codes. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT code 56740 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT code 56740 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient presents with a recurrent Bartholin’s gland abscess. The provider performs an excision of the gland to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
2. A patient has a persistent Bartholin’s gland cyst that causes discomfort. The provider performs an excision of the cyst to relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.
3. A patient experiences recurrent abscesses in the Bartholin’s gland. The provider decides to perform an excision of the gland to address the underlying cause and prevent future abscesses.
4. A patient has a large Bartholin’s gland cyst that is causing pain and discomfort. The provider performs an excision of the cyst to provide relief and improve the patient’s overall well-being.
5. A patient has a Bartholin’s gland abscess that has not responded to conservative treatments. The provider decides to perform an excision of the abscess to resolve the infection and prevent further complications.
6. A patient presents with a recurrent Bartholin’s gland cyst that affects their daily activities. The provider performs an excision of the cyst to improve the patient’s quality of life and prevent future recurrences.
7. A patient has a persistent Bartholin’s gland abscess that causes significant pain. The provider performs an excision of the abscess to alleviate symptoms and improve the patient’s comfort.
8. A patient has a Bartholin’s gland cyst that has become infected. The provider performs an excision of the cyst to treat the infection and prevent further complications.
9. A patient experiences recurrent abscesses in the Bartholin’s gland, which significantly impact their daily life. The provider performs an excision of the gland to address the underlying cause and improve the patient’s overall well-being.
10. A patient has a large Bartholin’s gland cyst that is causing discomfort and affecting their sexual function. The provider performs an excision of the cyst to relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life.