How To Use CPT Code 57240

CPT 57240 describes the procedure for anterior colporrhaphy, which involves the repair of a cystocele with or without repair of a urethrocele. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 57240?

CPT 57240 is used to describe a surgical procedure called anterior colporrhaphy. This procedure involves repairing the vaginal wall where a prolapsing bladder is pushing through. The provider uses a vaginal approach to perform the repair. The procedure may also include the repair of a urethrocele and a cystourethroscopy, which is an examination of the bladder using a lighted tubular instrument.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 57240 is: ‘Anterior colporrhaphy, repair of cystocele with or without repair of urethrocele, including cystourethroscopy, when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The surgeon administers regional or general anesthesia to the patient.
2. A speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold it open during the procedure.
3. An incision is made into the anterior vaginal skin to expose the damaged pubocervical fascia, which supports the bladder and urethra.
4. The provider plicates the fascia in the midline using delayed absorbable or permanent sutures.
5. The weak edges of the deep vaginal wall are identified and sutured to each other, raising the bladder up and forming a strong wall below it.
6. If there is a urethrocele, it is reduced in a similar manner.
7. A cystourethroscopy may be performed to visualize the bladder and urethra and ensure that the repair has not caused any injury to these structures.
8. The vaginal incision is closed with dissolving stitches.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 57240 is performed on patients with a cystocele, which is a prolapse of the bladder into the vagina due to weakened supportive tissue. The procedure may also include the repair of a urethrocele, which is a prolapse of the urethra into the vagina. The provider must use a vaginal approach and may perform a cystourethroscopy. It is important to note that CPT 57240 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 52000.

5. When to use CPT code 57240

CPT code 57240 should be used when a provider performs anterior colporrhaphy to repair a cystocele with or without repair of a urethrocele. It is important to ensure that the procedure includes a cystourethroscopy, if performed. However, CPT code 57240 should not be reported with CPT code 52000.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 57240, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of cystocele and/or urethrocele
• Details of the procedure performed, including whether a cystourethroscopy was performed
• Type of anesthesia administered
• Incision made and closure method used
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 57240, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria described in the official description. It is important to note that CPT code 57240 should not be reported in conjunction with CPT code 52000. Pay attention to the documentation requirements and ensure that all necessary information is included in the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT code 57240 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was last updated on January 1, 2018, with changes to the description of the procedure.

9. Examples

1. A surgeon performs anterior colporrhaphy to repair a cystocele in a patient.
2. A provider performs anterior colporrhaphy with repair of a urethrocele and cystourethroscopy in a patient.
3. A patient undergoes anterior colporrhaphy to repair a cystocele and a urethrocele.
4. A surgeon performs anterior colporrhaphy with cystourethroscopy in a patient with a cystocele.
5. A provider performs anterior colporrhaphy to repair a cystocele and performs a cystourethroscopy to ensure the repair’s success.
6. A patient undergoes anterior colporrhaphy with repair of a urethrocele and cystourethroscopy to address multiple prolapse issues.
7. A surgeon performs anterior colporrhaphy to repair a cystocele and uses a cystourethroscope to examine the bladder and urethra.
8. A provider performs anterior colporrhaphy with repair of a urethrocele and cystourethroscopy to address multiple prolapse issues.
9. A patient undergoes anterior colporrhaphy to repair a cystocele and a urethrocele, with a cystourethroscopy performed during the procedure.
10. A surgeon performs anterior colporrhaphy with cystourethroscopy to repair a cystocele and ensure the integrity of the bladder and urethra.