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The procedure described by CPT® Code 50340 refers to a recipient nephrectomy, which is a surgical operation performed to remove a kidney from a donor recipient prior to the transplantation of a new kidney. This operation is classified as a separate procedure, indicating that it is distinct from the transplantation itself. The nephrectomy is typically performed through a wide flank incision, which is strategically made just below the lower border of the ribs or near the 11th or 12th rib. In some cases, an anterior subcostal approach may be utilized, depending on the specific circumstances and the surgeon's preference. During the procedure, the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, is mobilized to allow visualization of the anterior surface of the kidney. The colon is then mobilized and moved medially to provide better access to the kidney. Key anatomical structures, such as the colorenal ligaments, are divided to expose Gerota's fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding the kidney. The ureter, which is the duct that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, along with the surrounding vascular structures, is identified and retracted to facilitate access to the renal hilum—the area where the renal artery and vein enter and exit the kidney. The procedure involves careful dissection to ensure that the kidney is removed without damaging surrounding tissues or blood vessels. The renal vein is exposed, and the gonadal, lumbar, and adrenal veins are clipped and divided to free the kidney. The renal artery is also identified and dissected from surrounding tissues. To prevent torsion of the kidney and potential damage to its vascular supply, certain attachments are left intact during the dissection. The ureter is carefully dissected and divided at the level of the iliac vessels, and the kidney is ultimately removed after being freed from its remaining attachments. The procedure concludes with the closure of the ureter, control of any bleeding, placement of drains if necessary, and closure of the incisions made during the surgery.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The recipient nephrectomy (CPT® Code 50340) is indicated in specific clinical scenarios where the removal of a kidney from a donor recipient is necessary prior to transplantation. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The recipient nephrectomy involves several detailed procedural steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of the kidney. Each step is critical to the success of the operation:
After the recipient nephrectomy, the patient will require careful monitoring and post-operative care. Expected recovery may involve managing pain, monitoring for any signs of infection, and ensuring that the surgical site is healing properly. The placement of drains may be necessary to prevent fluid accumulation. The healthcare team will provide instructions for follow-up care and any restrictions on activities to promote optimal recovery. It is essential to monitor kidney function and overall health as the patient prepares for the subsequent kidney transplantation.
| Short Descr | RECIPIENT NEPHRECTOMY | Medium Descr | RECIPIENT NEPHRECTOMY SEPARATE PROCEDURE | Long Descr | Recipient nephrectomy (separate procedure) | 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 | 104 - Nephrectomy, partial or complete |
| 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. | 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). | 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. | 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. | 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.) | 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). | 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) |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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