How To Use CPT Code 57292

CPT 57292 describes the construction of an artificial vagina with the application of a graft. 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 57292?

CPT 57292 can be used to describe the procedure in which a healthcare provider constructs an artificial vagina using a graft. This code is typically used to treat conditions such as congenital absence of a vagina or vaginal agenesis. The provider administers anesthesia, prepares a mold, harvests a graft, creates a cavity, inserts the graft, and sutures the graft’s surface lines.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 57292 is: ‘Construction of artificial vagina; with graft.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider administers anesthesia and prepares the patient for the procedure.
2. A mold is prepared on which the graft will be placed, with consideration given to avoiding urethral pressure.
3. The provider drills two holes in the mold for the insertion and retention of sutures.
4. A split thickness graft is harvested from the patient’s thigh area and cut to aid in graft preparation.
5. An incision is made between the urethra and rectum, and a cavity is prepared using blunt dissection.
6. The cavity is created to the level of the uterine cavity if the uterus is present, or to the peritoneum only if the uterus is absent.
7. The prepared graft is inserted into the cavity, and the graft’s surface lines are sutured to the skin at the vaginal opening.
8. Two silk sutures are passed through the labial musculature.
9. The mold is washed with saline, a catheter is inserted into the bladder, and the graft sites are covered with a bleached cotton cloth.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 57292 is typically performed to treat vaginal agenesis or the congenital absence of a vagina. It is important to note that if anything other than a skin graft is performed, such as myocutaneous flaps, it should be coded separately. Modifier 51 should be appended for each additional procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 57292

CPT code 57292 should be used when a healthcare provider constructs an artificial vagina using a graft. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 57292, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for the construction of an artificial vagina
• Details of the graft used, including its source
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Specific steps taken during the procedure, including the creation of the cavity and insertion of the graft
• Details of any additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 57292, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to note that if anything other than a skin graft is performed, it should be coded separately. Modifier 51 should be appended for each additional procedure. Review the specific guidelines provided by the payer to ensure accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 57292 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 healthcare provider performing the construction of an artificial vagina using a graft to treat vaginal agenesis in a patient.
2. A surgeon using CPT code 57292 to construct an artificial vagina with a graft for a patient with a congenital absence of a vagina.
3. A gynecologist performing the procedure to create an artificial vagina using a graft in a patient with vaginal agenesis.
4. A plastic surgeon utilizing CPT code 57292 to construct an artificial vagina with a graft for a patient with a congenital anomaly.
5. An obstetrician-gynecologist performing the procedure to create an artificial vagina using a graft in a patient with vaginal agenesis.
6. A urologist using CPT code 57292 to construct an artificial vagina with a graft for a patient with a congenital absence of a vagina.
7. A reconstructive surgeon performing the procedure to create an artificial vagina using a graft in a patient with vaginal agenesis.
8. A pediatric surgeon utilizing CPT code 57292 to construct an artificial vagina with a graft for a patient with a congenital anomaly.
9. A gynecologic oncologist performing the procedure to create an artificial vagina using a graft in a patient with vaginal agenesis.
10. A plastic and reconstructive surgeon using CPT code 57292 to construct an artificial vagina with a graft for a patient with a congenital absence of a vagina.