© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 38724 refers to a cervical lymphadenectomy, specifically a modified radical neck dissection. This surgical intervention involves the removal of lymph nodes from the neck, which are critical components of the body's lymphatic system responsible for filtering harmful substances and supporting immune function. In this context, a complete cervical lymphadenectomy entails the excision of lymph nodes categorized into six distinct levels, each corresponding to specific anatomical locations within the neck. The procedure is typically indicated for patients with malignancies in the head and neck region, where the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes is a concern. The surgical approach may vary, utilizing either a curvilinear apron-type incision or a vertical incision, depending on the location of the malignancy. The meticulous dissection of lymph nodes, along with surrounding tissues, is essential for ensuring comprehensive removal while preserving critical structures such as the spinal accessory nerve. This procedure is vital for staging cancer, determining treatment plans, and potentially improving patient outcomes by addressing regional metastasis.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure of cervical lymphadenectomy (modified radical neck dissection) is indicated for various conditions, particularly in the context of malignancies affecting the head and neck region. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:
The cervical lymphadenectomy (modified radical neck dissection) involves several critical procedural steps that ensure the effective removal of lymph nodes while minimizing damage to surrounding structures. The following steps outline the procedure:
Post-procedure care following a cervical lymphadenectomy (modified radical neck dissection) is essential for ensuring proper recovery and monitoring for complications. Patients are typically observed for any signs of bleeding, infection, or complications related to nerve damage. The placement of drains is crucial to prevent seroma formation, and these drains are usually monitored and managed by the healthcare team. Patients may experience swelling and discomfort in the neck area, which can be managed with pain relief medications. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess healing, review pathology results, and plan any further treatment if required. Rehabilitation may also be recommended to address any functional limitations resulting from the surgery.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF LYMPH NODES NECK |
| Medium Descr | CERVICAL LYMPHADEC MODIFIED RADICAL NECK DSJ |
| Long Descr | Cervical lymphadenectomy (modified radical neck dissection) |
| Status Code | Active Code |
| Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery |
| 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) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... |
| Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. |
| Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply |
| APC Status Indicator | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS |
| Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery |
| Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other |
| MUE | 1 |
| CCS Clinical Classification | 67 - Other therapeutic procedures, hemic and lymphatic system |
| LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) |
| RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
| GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
| 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). |
| 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). |
| 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). |
| 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. |
| AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery |
| 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). |
| QZ | Crna service: without medical direction by a physician |
| 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 |
| XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
| XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| CR | Catastrophe/disaster related |
| 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). |
| 58 | Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78. |
| 77 | Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service. |
| 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) |
| 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.) |
| 81 | Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number. |
| 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). |
| AG | Primary physician |
| AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) |
| CC | Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed) |
| GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition |
| Q0 | Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
| Q1 | Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study |
| SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
| XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
| XP | Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
|
Code
|
Description
|
|---|---|
| C01 | Malignant neoplasm of base of tongue |
| C02.0 | Malignant neoplasm of dorsal surface of tongue |
| C02.1 | Malignant neoplasm of border of tongue |
| C02.2 | Malignant neoplasm of ventral surface of tongue |
| C02.3 | Malignant neoplasm of anterior two-thirds of tongue, part unspecified |
| C02.4 | Malignant neoplasm of lingual tonsil |
| C02.8 | Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of tongue |
| C04.0 | Malignant neoplasm of anterior floor of mouth |
| C04.1 | Malignant neoplasm of lateral floor of mouth |
| C04.8 | Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of floor of mouth |
| C05.0 | Malignant neoplasm of hard palate |
| C05.1 | Malignant neoplasm of soft palate |
| C05.2 | Malignant neoplasm of uvula |
| C05.8 | Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of palate |
| C06.0 | Malignant neoplasm of cheek mucosa |
| C06.1 | Malignant neoplasm of vestibule of mouth |
| C06.2 | Malignant neoplasm of retromolar area |
| C06.89 | Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of other parts of mouth |
| C07 | Malignant neoplasm of parotid gland |
| C08.0 | Malignant neoplasm of submandibular gland |
| C08.1 | Malignant neoplasm of sublingual gland |
| C12 | Malignant neoplasm of pyriform sinus |
| C13.0 | Malignant neoplasm of postcricoid region |
| C13.1 | Malignant neoplasm of aryepiglottic fold, hypopharyngeal aspect |
| C13.2 | Malignant neoplasm of posterior wall of hypopharynx |
| C13.8 | Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of hypopharynx |
| C14.2 | Malignant neoplasm of Waldeyer's ring |
| C14.8 | Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of lip, oral cavity and pharynx |
| C15.3 | Malignant neoplasm of upper third of esophagus |
| C15.4 | Malignant neoplasm of middle third of esophagus |
| C15.8 | Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of esophagus |
| C32.0 | Malignant neoplasm of glottis |
| C32.1 | Malignant neoplasm of supraglottis |
| C32.2 | Malignant neoplasm of subglottis |
| C32.3 | Malignant neoplasm of laryngeal cartilage |
| C32.8 | Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of larynx |
| C33 | Malignant neoplasm of trachea |
| C41.4 | Malignant neoplasm of pelvic bones, sacrum and coccyx |
| C43.4 | Malignant melanoma of scalp and neck |
| C44.41 | Basal cell carcinoma of skin of scalp and neck |
| C44.42 | Squamous cell carcinoma of skin of scalp and neck |
| C44.49 | Other specified malignant neoplasm of skin of scalp and neck |
| C4A.0 | Merkel cell carcinoma of lip |
| C4A.11 | Merkel cell carcinoma of right eyelid, including canthus [] |
| C4A.12 | Merkel cell carcinoma of left eyelid, including canthus [] |
| C4A.21 | Merkel cell carcinoma of right ear and external auricular canal |
| C4A.22 | Merkel cell carcinoma of left ear and external auricular canal |
| C4A.31 | Merkel cell carcinoma of nose |
| C4A.39 | Merkel cell carcinoma of other parts of face |
| C4A.4 | Merkel cell carcinoma of scalp and neck |
| C4A.8 | Merkel cell carcinoma of overlapping sites |
| C73 | Malignant neoplasm of thyroid gland |
| C75.0 | Malignant neoplasm of parathyroid gland |
| C75.4 | Malignant neoplasm of carotid body |
| C76.0 | Malignant neoplasm of head, face and neck |
| C77.0 | Secondary and unspecified malignant neoplasm of lymph nodes of head, face and neck |
| C7B.01 | Secondary carcinoid tumors of distant lymph nodes |
| C7B.09 | Secondary carcinoid tumors of other sites |
| C7B.1 | Secondary Merkel cell carcinoma |
| C7B.8 | Other secondary neuroendocrine tumors |
| D49.89 | Neoplasm of unspecified behavior of other specified sites |
| M62.81 | Muscle weakness (generalized) |
| R26.81 | Unsteadiness on feet |
| R54 | Age-related physical debility |
| Z00.00 | Encounter for general adult medical examination without abnormal findings |
| Z00.01 | Encounter for general adult medical examination with abnormal findings |
| Z00.110 | Health examination for newborn under 8 days old |
| Z00.111 | Health examination for newborn 8 to 28 days old |
| Z00.121 | Encounter for routine child health examination with abnormal findings |
| Z00.129 | Encounter for routine child health examination without abnormal findings |
| Z00.3 | Encounter for examination for adolescent development state |
| Z00.8 | Encounter for other general examination |
| Z01.10 | Encounter for examination of ears and hearing without abnormal findings |
| Z01.110 | Encounter for hearing examination following failed hearing screening |
| Z01.118 | Encounter for examination of ears and hearing with other abnormal findings |
| Z01.30 | Encounter for examination of blood pressure without abnormal findings |
| Z01.31 | Encounter for examination of blood pressure with abnormal findings |
| Z01.411 | Encounter for gynecological examination (general) (routine) with abnormal findings |
| Z01.419 | Encounter for gynecological examination (general) (routine) without abnormal findings |
| Z01.42 | Encounter for cervical smear to confirm findings of recent normal smear following initial abnormal smear |
| Z11.1 | Encounter for screening for respiratory tuberculosis |
| Z11.3 | Encounter for screening for infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission |
| Z11.4 | Encounter for screening for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] |
| Z11.51 | Encounter for screening for human papillomavirus (HPV) |
| Z11.59 | Encounter for screening for other viral diseases |
| Z11.8 | Encounter for screening for other infectious and parasitic diseases |
| Z12.10 | Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of intestinal tract, unspecified |
| Z12.11 | Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of colon |
| Z12.12 | Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of rectum |
| Z12.13 | Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of small intestine |
| Z12.31 | Encounter for screening mammogram for malignant neoplasm of breast |
| Z12.39 | Encounter for other screening for malignant neoplasm of breast |
| Z12.4 | Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of cervix |
| Z12.5 | Encounter for screening for malignant neoplasm of prostate |
| Z13.1 | Encounter for screening for diabetes mellitus |
| Z13.220 | Encounter for screening for lipoid disorders |
| Z13.31 | Encounter for screening for depression |
| Z13.32 | Encounter for screening for maternal depression |
| Z13.39 | Encounter for screening examination for other mental health and behavioral disorders |
| Z13.41 | Encounter for autism screening |
| Z13.42 | Encounter for screening for global developmental delays (milestones) |
| Z13.49 | Encounter for screening for other developmental delays |
| Z13.6 | Encounter for screening for cardiovascular disorders |
| Z13.820 | Encounter for screening for osteoporosis |
| Z13.88 | Encounter for screening for disorder due to exposure to contaminants |
| Z20.1 | Contact with and (suspected) exposure to tuberculosis |
| Z20.2 | Contact with and (suspected) exposure to infections with a predominantly sexual mode of transmission |
| Z20.5 | Contact with and (suspected) exposure to viral hepatitis |
| Z20.6 | Contact with and (suspected) exposure to human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] |
| Z23 | Encounter for immunization |
| Z29.11 | Encounter for prophylactic immunotherapy for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) |
| Z29.81 | Encounter for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis |
| Z30.013 | Encounter for initial prescription of injectable contraceptive |
| Z30.2 | Encounter for sterilization |
| Z30.40 | Encounter for surveillance of contraceptives, unspecified |
| Z30.42 | Encounter for surveillance of injectable contraceptive |
| Z30.49 | Encounter for surveillance of other contraceptives |
| Z30.8 | Encounter for other contraceptive management |
| Z30.9 | Encounter for contraceptive management, unspecified |
| Z31.5 | Encounter for procreative genetic counseling |
| Z71.3 | Dietary counseling and surveillance |
| Z71.7 | Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] counseling |
| Z71.83 | Encounter for nonprocreative genetic counseling |
| Z72.51 | High risk heterosexual behavior |
| Z72.52 | High risk homosexual behavior |
| Z72.53 | High risk bisexual behavior |
| Z73.9 | Problem related to life management difficulty, unspecified |
| Z76.1 | Encounter for health supervision and care of foundling |
| Z76.2 | Encounter for health supervision and care of other healthy infant and child |
| Z76.81 | Expectant parent(s) prebirth pediatrician visit |
| Z80.0 | Family history of malignant neoplasm of digestive organs |
| Z80.3 | Family history of malignant neoplasm of breast |
| Z80.41 | Family history of malignant neoplasm of ovary |
| Z80.42 | Family history of malignant neoplasm of prostate |
| Z82.62 | Family history of osteoporosis |
| Z83.3 | Family history of diabetes mellitus |
| Z83.42 | Family history of familial hypercholesterolemia |
| Z83.710 | Family history of adenomatous and serrated polyps |
| Z83.711 | Family history of hyperplastic colon polyps |
| Z83.718 | Other family history of colon polyps |
| Z83.719 | Family history of colon polyps, unspecified |
| Z85.3 | Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast |
| Z85.43 | Personal history of malignant neoplasm of ovary |
| Z86.32 | Personal history of gestational diabetes |
| Z91.81 | History of falling |
| No matching codes found | |
|
Code
|
Description
|
|---|---|
| 07T10ZZ | Resection of Right Neck Lymphatic, Open Approach |
| 07T14ZZ | Resection of Right Neck Lymphatic, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach |
| 07T20ZZ | Resection of Left Neck Lymphatic, Open Approach |
| 07T24ZZ | Resection of Left Neck Lymphatic, Percutaneous Endoscopic Approach |
| No matching codes found | |
|
Code
|
Description
|
|---|---|
| 711.05 | Pyogenic arthritis, pelvic region and thigh |
| 718.40 | Contracture of joint, site unspecified |
| 718.45 | Contracture of joint, pelvic region and thigh |
| 718.46 | Contracture of joint, lower leg |
| 726.69 | Other enthesopathy of knee |
| 727.81 | Contracture of tendon (sheath) |
| 727.89 | Other disorders of synovium, tendon, and bursa |
| 728.9 | Unspecified disorder of muscle, ligament, and fascia |
| 755.60 | Unspecified anomaly of lower limb |
| 755.61 | Coxa valga, congenital |
| 755.62 | Coxa vara, congenital |
| 905.8 | Late effect of tendon injury |
| 928.01 | Crushing injury of hip |
| 928.11 | Crushing injury of knee |
| No matching codes found | |