How To Use CPT Code 57150

CPT 57150 describes the procedure of irrigating the vagina and/or applying medication to treat bacterial, parasitic, or fungoid diseases. 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 57150?

CPT 57150 can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider washes out the vaginal canal and may also instill medication to treat bacterial, parasitic, or fungoid diseases. This code is used when the physician treats these specific conditions in the vagina.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 57150 is: ‘Irrigation of vagina and/or application of medicament for treatment of bacterial, parasitic, or fungoid disease.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider places the patient in a normal lithotomy position, with the patient lying on her back, knees bent, positioned above the hips, and legs spread apart with the heels in stirrups.
2. A hollow, flexible tube is inserted into the vaginal canal.
3. The provider attaches a syringe with the tube containing antibacterial, antiparasitic, or antifungal solution and gradually introduces it into the vagina.
4. The provider may also administer antibacterial, antiparasitic, or antifungal medication through a vaginal applicator into the vaginal vault to prevent vaginal infection.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 57150 is used when the physician treats bacterial, parasitic, or fungoid diseases in the vagina. It should not be reported when the provider washes out the vaginal canal during the removal, cleaning, and replacement of a pessary unless there is documented evidence of a bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection. It is important to check with the payer to determine whether reporting CPT 57150 is permitted in addition to CPT 57160 for the fitting and insertion of a pessary.

5. When to use CPT code 57150

CPT code 57150 should be used when the physician performs the procedure of irrigating the vagina and/or applying medication to treat bacterial, parasitic, or fungoid diseases. It should not be used for other vaginal procedures or conditions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 57150, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Diagnosis of bacterial, parasitic, or fungoid disease
• Procedure details, including the use of irrigation and/or medication application
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional relevant information or findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 57150, ensure that the procedure is performed to treat bacterial, parasitic, or fungoid diseases in the vagina. It should not be reported for other vaginal procedures or conditions. Check with the payer to determine if reporting CPT 57150 is allowed in addition to other related codes. It is important to provide accurate and detailed documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT 57150 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 physician performing irrigation of the vagina and applying medication to treat a bacterial infection.
2. A gynecologist washing out the vaginal canal and instilling antifungal medication to treat a fungoid disease.
3. A healthcare provider irrigating the vagina and applying antiparasitic medication to treat a parasitic infection.
4. A surgeon performing vaginal irrigation and applying antibacterial medication to treat a bacterial disease.
5. An obstetrician-gynecologist washing out the vaginal canal and instilling medication to treat a mixed bacterial and fungal infection.
6. A physician irrigating the vagina and applying antifungal medication to treat a recurrent fungal infection.
7. A gynecologist performing vaginal irrigation and applying antibacterial medication to treat a bacterial disease.
8. A healthcare provider washing out the vaginal canal and instilling antiparasitic medication to treat a parasitic infection.
9. A surgeon irrigating the vagina and applying medication to treat a mixed bacterial and parasitic infection.
10. An obstetrician-gynecologist washing out the vaginal canal and instilling medication to treat a recurrent bacterial infection.