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Percutaneous cryoablation therapy is a specialized medical procedure aimed at the reduction or eradication of one or more pulmonary tumors. This technique is particularly relevant when tumors extend to involve the pleura or chest wall. The procedure is performed unilaterally, meaning it targets one lung. Cryoablation is classified as a minimally invasive approach, making it a suitable option for patients who may not be candidates for traditional surgical resection due to various health concerns. It can also serve as a palliative treatment for patients with advanced tumors that are not amenable to removal because of their size or location. During the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to numb the skin and connective tissue down to the pleura, ensuring patient comfort. In some cases, moderate sedation may be utilized to further enhance comfort levels. The use of imaging guidance, such as computed tomography (CT), is integral to the procedure, allowing for precise placement of the cryoprobe into the tumor or targeted tissue area. The cryoprobe delivers high-pressure argon or helium gases to freeze the tissue, typically in a series of cycles that include periods of freezing and thawing. This process results in the formation of an ice ball, approximately 2-3 cm in diameter, within the affected tissue, which is subsequently left in place to be reabsorbed by the body over time.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure of percutaneous cryoablation therapy is indicated for the treatment of specific conditions related to pulmonary tumors. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:
The percutaneous cryoablation procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the pulmonary tumors. The following procedural steps are outlined:
Following the percutaneous cryoablation procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications or adverse effects. The expected recovery process involves a gradual reabsorption of the ice ball created during the procedure. Patients may experience some discomfort or mild pain at the site of the procedure, which can usually be managed with standard pain relief measures. It is important for healthcare providers to provide clear post-procedure care instructions, including any necessary follow-up appointments to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and monitor for any potential complications. Additionally, patients should be advised on signs of infection or other issues that may require prompt medical attention.
| Short Descr | ABLATE PULM TUMOR PERQ CRYBL | Medium Descr | ABLATION THER 1+ PULM TUMORS PERQ CRYOABLATION | Long Descr | Ablation therapy for reduction or eradication of 1 or more pulmonary tumor(s) including pleura or chest wall when involved by tumor extension, percutaneous, including imaging guidance when performed, unilateral; cryoablation | 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) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | 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 | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
| LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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). | 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. | AG | Primary physician | MG | The order for this service does not have applicable appropriate use criteria in the qualified clinical decision support mechanism consulted by the ordering professional | X4 | Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period | X5 | Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician |
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| 2018-01-01 | Added | Code Added. |
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