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The CPT® Code 53220 refers to the excision or fulguration of carcinoma of the urethra, which is a procedure aimed at treating cancers located on the external urethra in both male and female patients. This treatment can involve two primary methods: excision and fulguration. Excision entails the surgical removal of the cancerous lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete removal of malignant cells. This is crucial as it allows for the evaluation of the excised tissue by a pathologist, who examines the margins to confirm that no cancerous cells remain. If malignant tissue is detected at the margins, further excision is necessary to achieve clear margins, thereby reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. On the other hand, fulguration, also known as electrocautery, electroresection, or laser destruction, involves the use of an electrocautery device or laser to destroy the abnormal tissue without the need for traditional surgical excision. This method is particularly useful for lesions that may be less accessible or for patients who may not tolerate more invasive procedures. Both techniques aim to effectively manage urethral cancers while minimizing complications and promoting recovery.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 53220 is indicated for the treatment of external urethral cancers. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:
The procedure for CPT® Code 53220 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of urethral carcinoma. Each step is detailed as follows:
After the excision or fulguration procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Post-procedure care may include instructions on wound care, pain management, and activity restrictions to promote healing. Patients are advised to follow up with their healthcare provider for pathology results and to discuss any further treatment options if necessary. The recovery period may vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual patient's health status, but close monitoring is essential to ensure a successful recovery and to address any potential complications promptly.
| Short Descr | TREATMENT OF URETHRA LESION | Medium Descr | EXC/FULGURATION CARCINOMA URETHRA | Long Descr | Excision or fulguration of carcinoma of urethra | 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) | 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) | 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 | 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 | 109 - Procedures on the urethra |
| 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). | 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. | 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.) | AQ | Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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