Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
CaseConsultant
Instant Email Coding Consultant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Hysteroscopy, diagnostic (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A diagnostic hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for direct visualization of the uterine cavity. This procedure is typically performed to investigate various uterine conditions and abnormalities. Prior to the insertion of the hysteroscope, a bimanual pelvic examination is conducted to assess the pelvic organs and prepare for the procedure. A single-tooth tenaculum is then applied to the anterior lip of the cervix to stabilize it during the procedure. To facilitate the insertion of the hysteroscope, the cervix is anesthetized and dilated using metal dilators. This dilation is crucial as it allows the hysteroscope to be inserted into the endocervical canal and advanced into the uterine cavity. During the procedure, the uterus is expanded using either saline or carbon dioxide, which provides a clear view of the uterine lining. The physician examines the uterine cavity for any abnormalities such as polyps, fibroids, or other pathological conditions. Upon completion of the examination, the hysteroscope and tenaculum are carefully removed, and any bleeding from the cervix is addressed to ensure patient safety and comfort.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is indicated for a variety of clinical scenarios where visualization of the uterine cavity is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding This procedure is often performed to investigate the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, which may include heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between cycles.
  • Uterine Abnormalities Diagnostic hysteroscopy is utilized to identify structural abnormalities within the uterus, such as polyps or fibroids, which can contribute to reproductive issues or abnormal bleeding.
  • Infertility Evaluation In cases of unexplained infertility, hysteroscopy can help assess the uterine environment to determine if any intrauterine factors are affecting fertility.
  • Assessment of Uterine Cavity Post-Surgery This procedure may be indicated to evaluate the uterine cavity following surgical interventions, such as myomectomy or dilation and curettage (D&C), to ensure proper healing and absence of complications.

2. Procedure

The diagnostic hysteroscopy procedure involves several key steps that ensure a thorough examination of the uterine cavity. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Bimanual Pelvic Examination Before the hysteroscope is inserted, a bimanual pelvic examination is performed. This examination allows the physician to assess the pelvic organs and determine the appropriate approach for the procedure.
  • Step 2: Cervical Stabilization A single-tooth tenaculum is placed on the anterior lip of the cervix. This instrument helps to stabilize the cervix during the procedure, ensuring that it remains in position while the hysteroscope is inserted.
  • Step 3: Cervical Anesthesia and Dilation The cervix is then anesthetized to minimize discomfort for the patient. Following anesthesia, metal dilators are used to gently dilate the cervix, creating sufficient space for the hysteroscope to be inserted.
  • Step 4: Hysteroscope Insertion The hysteroscope is carefully inserted into the endocervical canal and advanced into the uterine cavity. This is done under direct visualization to ensure proper placement and to avoid injury to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 5: Uterine Expansion Once the hysteroscope is in place, the uterus is expanded using saline or carbon dioxide. This expansion is essential for providing a clear view of the uterine lining and any potential abnormalities.
  • Step 6: Examination of the Uterine Cavity The physician examines the uterine cavity for any abnormalities, such as polyps, fibroids, or other pathological conditions that may require further intervention or treatment.
  • Step 7: Completion of the Procedure After the examination is complete, the hysteroscope and tenaculum are removed. Any bleeding from the cervix is controlled to ensure patient safety and comfort before concluding the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the diagnostic hysteroscopy, patients may experience some mild cramping or spotting, which is generally considered normal. It is important for patients to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by their healthcare provider. Patients are typically advised to monitor for any unusual symptoms, such as heavy bleeding or severe pain, and to report these to their physician. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the findings of the hysteroscopy and any necessary next steps based on the results of the examination.

Short Descr HYSTEROSCOPY DX SEP PROC
Medium Descr HYSTEROSCOPY DIAGNOSTIC SEPARATE PROCEDURE
Long Descr Hysteroscopy, diagnostic (separate procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 2 - Co-surgeons permitted and no documentation required if the two- specialty requirement is met.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 130 - Other diagnostic procedures, female organs
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2000-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2000.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"