How To Use CPT Code 57550

CPT 57550 describes the excision of the cervical stump through a vaginal approach following a previous subtotal hysterectomy. 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 57550?

CPT 57550 is used to describe the excision of the cervical stump remaining after a previous subtotal hysterectomy. This procedure involves the removal of the uterus while leaving the cervix intact. The excision is performed through a vaginal approach.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 57550 is: ‘Excision of cervical stump, vaginal approach.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is placed in a lithotomy position, and a speculum is inserted into the vagina to hold the vaginal walls apart.
2. The provider injects a local anesthetic mixed with a vasoconstrictor into the cervical stump to minimize bleeding.
3. A circular incision is made around the stump, and the provider dissects it away from the vaginal tissue using scissors.
4. Clamps are placed on the cardinal ligaments and uterosacral ligaments to further detach the cervical stump.
5. If the round ligaments are attached to the stump, the provider transects them.
6. The provider controls the bleeding vessels with electrocautery and ligatures.
7. The vaginal incision is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 57550 is performed when there is a remaining cervical stump after a previous subtotal hysterectomy. The procedure is done through a vaginal approach.

5. When to use CPT code 57550

CPT code 57550 should be used when the provider performs the excision of the cervical stump through a vaginal approach following a previous subtotal hysterectomy. It is important to note that this procedure is only performed at a later time, not during the initial hysterectomy.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 57550, the provider must document the following information:

• Indication for the excision of the cervical stump
• Details of the previous subtotal hysterectomy
• Procedure notes describing the steps taken during the excision
• Use of local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor
• Control of bleeding vessels
• Closure of the vaginal incision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 57550, ensure that the procedure is performed through a vaginal approach following a previous subtotal hysterectomy. It is important to note that this procedure is not performed during the initial hysterectomy. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting CPT 57550 with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 57550 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 patient undergoes excision of the cervical stump through a vaginal approach following a previous subtotal hysterectomy.
2. A provider performs the removal of the remaining cervical stump using a vaginal approach after a previous subtotal hysterectomy.
3. Following a subtotal hysterectomy, the provider excises the cervical stump through a vaginal approach.
4. A patient with a remaining cervical stump after a previous subtotal hysterectomy undergoes excision through a vaginal approach.
5. The provider performs the excision of the cervical stump using a vaginal approach in a patient who had a previous subtotal hysterectomy.
6. Following a subtotal hysterectomy, the provider removes the cervical stump through a vaginal approach.
7. A patient undergoes the excision of the cervical stump through a vaginal approach after a previous subtotal hysterectomy.
8. The provider performs the removal of the remaining cervical stump using a vaginal approach in a patient who had a previous subtotal hysterectomy.
9. Following a subtotal hysterectomy, the provider excises the cervical stump through a vaginal approach in a patient.
10. A patient with a remaining cervical stump after a previous subtotal hysterectomy undergoes excision through a vaginal approach performed by the provider.