How To Use CPT Code 57320

CPT 57320 describes the closure of a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach. 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 57320?

CPT 57320 can be used to describe the surgical procedure performed to repair a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach. This code is used when the physician closes the abnormal connection between the bladder and the vagina by excising the fistula tract and surrounding fatty tissue, and then suturing the defects between the bladder and vaginal wall.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 57320 is: ‘Closure of vesicovaginal fistula; vaginal approach.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is placed in the dorsal lithotomy position and administered anesthesia.
2. The physician makes an incision in the perineum area to visualize the fistula tract between the bladder and vagina.
3. A catheter or spring force instrument may be used to pull the fistula into view.
4. The physician excises the complete fistula tract along with surrounding fatty tissue.
5. The defects between the bladder and vaginal wall are closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 57320 are those with a vesicovaginal fistula, which is an abnormal opening between the vagina and the urinary bladder. The procedure is performed using a vaginal approach, and the patient must be in need of closure of the fistula. The physician must assess and confirm the presence of the fistula before proceeding with the surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 57320

CPT code 57320 should be used when a physician performs the closure of a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach. It is important to ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. If the procedure is performed using a different approach or for a different type of fistula, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 57320, the physician must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of vesicovaginal fistula
• Details of the surgical procedure performed, including the approach used
• Date of the procedure
• Any additional findings or complications encountered during the surgery
• Details of the closure technique used, including the type of sutures
• Any post-operative instructions or recommendations
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 57320, ensure that the procedure meets the specific criteria outlined in the code description. It is important to accurately document the details of the surgery and any additional findings or complications. CPT code 57320 should not be reported with codes for concomitant cystostomy procedures. Review the documentation guidelines and requirements of the payer to ensure proper reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT 57320 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 performs the closure of a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach for a patient who has been diagnosed with the condition.
2. A surgeon excises the fistula tract and sutures the defects between the bladder and vaginal wall to repair a vesicovaginal fistula in a patient.
3. A gynecologist performs the closure of a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach, ensuring the complete excision of the fistula tract and surrounding fatty tissue.
4. A urologist sutures the defects between the bladder and vaginal wall to repair a vesicovaginal fistula in a patient using a vaginal approach.
5. A gynecological surgeon performs the closure of a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach, achieving successful closure of the abnormal connection between the bladder and vagina.
6. A physician excises the complete fistula tract and surrounding fatty tissue, and then sutures the defects between the bladder and vaginal wall to repair a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach.
7. A surgeon performs the closure of a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach, ensuring meticulous closure of the defects between the bladder and vaginal wall.
8. A urogynecologist repairs a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach, achieving successful closure of the abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina.
9. A gynecological surgeon excises the fistula tract and surrounding fatty tissue, and then sutures the defects between the bladder and vaginal wall to repair a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach.
10. A urologist performs the closure of a vesicovaginal fistula using a vaginal approach, ensuring complete closure of the defects between the bladder and vaginal wall.