© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 55120 involves the removal of a foreign body from the scrotum, which is a critical intervention following a traumatic injury. The scrotum is a pouch of skin that houses the testes and is composed of a layer of skin and a network of nonstriated muscle fibers known as the dartos or scrotal fascia. In cases where a foreign object has penetrated the scrotum, the physician must carefully assess the injury to ensure proper removal of the foreign body. This procedure typically begins with the identification of the foreign object, which may require making an incision if there is a puncture wound. The incision can be either straight or elliptical, depending on the nature of the injury. Once the scrotum is accessed, the physician uses instruments such as a hemostat or grasping forceps to extract the foreign body. In some instances, if the wound is already open, the physician may explore and enlarge the wound to facilitate the removal process. After the foreign body is successfully extracted, the area is irrigated to eliminate any debris that may pose a risk of infection. Finally, the incision may be closed with sutures or left open with a drain placed to allow for proper healing and drainage of any potential fluid accumulation.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 55120 is indicated in the following scenarios:
The procedure for the removal of a foreign body from the scrotum involves several critical steps to ensure effective and safe extraction.
Post-procedure care following the removal of a foreign body from the scrotum typically includes monitoring for signs of infection, managing pain, and ensuring proper wound care. Patients may be advised to keep the area clean and dry, and to follow up with their healthcare provider for any necessary evaluations or additional treatments. If a drain has been placed, instructions on how to care for the drain and when to return for its removal will also be provided. Recovery time may vary depending on the extent of the injury and the individual patient's healing process.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF SCROTUM LESION | Medium Descr | REMOVAL FOREIGN BODY SCROTUM | Long Descr | Removal of foreign body in scrotum | 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 | 117 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures, male genital |
| 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. | 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). | AG | Primary physician | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | 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) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.