How To Use CPT Code 57061

CPT 57061 describes the destruction of small or simple vaginal lesions using various methods such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, or chemosurgery. 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 57061?

CPT 57061 can be used to describe the destruction of small or simple vaginal lesions. These lesions can be removed using different methods such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, or chemosurgery. The provider applies a local anesthetic to the vaginal mucosa and then destroys the lesion by using one of these techniques. Laser surgery involves vaporizing the lesion tissue using a high beam of light, while electrosurgery uses a monopolar or bipolar instrument to destroy the lesion. Cryosurgery involves applying liquid nitrogen to the lesion with repetitive freeze and thaw cycles, and chemosurgery involves applying a chemical to the lesion and removing the destroyed tissue.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 57061 is: ‘Destruction of vaginal lesion(s); simple (eg, laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery).’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is placed in the dorsal lithotomy position.
2. A local anesthetic is applied to the vaginal mucosa.
3. The provider identifies the location of the lesion.
4. The provider destroys the lesion using laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, or chemosurgery.
5. In laser surgery, the lesion tissue is vaporized using a high beam of light.
6. In electrosurgery, a monopolar or bipolar instrument is used to destroy the lesion.
7. In cryosurgery, liquid nitrogen is applied to the lesion with repetitive freeze and thaw cycles.
8. In chemosurgery, a chemical is applied to the lesion and the destroyed tissue is removed.
9. The provider may use monopolar or bipolar surgery depending on the instrument used.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 57061 is used for the destruction of small or simple vaginal lesions. These lesions can be caused by various conditions and may require removal for medical reasons. The procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider who has the necessary training and expertise in the specific method used for destruction. The patient must have a documented diagnosis or indication for the procedure, and the provider must determine that the destruction of the lesion(s) is medically necessary.

5. When to use CPT code 57061

CPT code 57061 should be used when a provider performs the destruction of small or simple vaginal lesions using methods such as laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, or chemosurgery. This code is not appropriate for the removal of large or complex lesions, which would require a different code (such as 57065). It is important to accurately document the size and complexity of the lesions to ensure correct coding and billing.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 57061, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis or indication for the procedure
• Method used for the destruction of the lesion(s) (laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery)
• Date of the procedure
• Size and complexity of the lesion(s)
• Any additional procedures or treatments performed during the same session
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 57061, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for the destruction of small or simple vaginal lesions. It is important to accurately document the method used for the destruction and any additional procedures or treatments performed during the same session. Report code 57065 for the removal of one or more large or complex lesions requiring significant work. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT code 57061 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 provider using laser surgery to destroy a small vaginal lesion.
2. A provider using electrosurgery to remove a simple vaginal lesion.
3. A provider performing cryosurgery to treat a small vaginal lesion.
4. A provider using chemosurgery to remove a simple vaginal lesion.
5. A provider using monopolar surgery to destroy a small vaginal lesion.
6. A provider using bipolar surgery to remove a simple vaginal lesion.
7. A provider using laser surgery to treat multiple small vaginal lesions.
8. A provider using electrosurgery to destroy a simple vaginal lesion.
9. A provider performing cryosurgery to remove multiple small vaginal lesions.
10. A provider using chemosurgery to treat a simple vaginal lesion.