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The CPT® Code 55530 refers to the excision of a varicocele or the ligation of spermatic veins for the treatment of a varicocele, which is a condition characterized by the enlargement of veins within the scrotum. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, indicating that it is performed independently and is not part of a more comprehensive surgical intervention. The treatment can be approached through either an inguinal or subinguinal method. In the inguinal approach, the surgeon locates the external inguinal ring by manipulating the scrotal skin and makes a transverse incision to access the underlying structures. Conversely, the subinguinal approach involves a skin incision made in the groin area, allowing for direct access to the spermatic cord. During the procedure, the surgeon identifies and ligates the affected veins, which may involve clamping, dividing, and suturing them to prevent blood flow, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with the varicocele. The use of a solution such as 1% Papaverine may be employed to enhance the visibility of the arteries and facilitate the surgical process. Ultimately, the procedure aims to restore normal blood flow and alleviate discomfort associated with the varicocele.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 55530 is indicated for the treatment of a varicocele, which is characterized by the following conditions:
The procedure for CPT® Code 55530 involves several detailed steps, which can be performed using either an inguinal or subinguinal approach:
Post-procedure care for patients undergoing the excision of a varicocele or ligation of spermatic veins typically includes monitoring for any complications such as bleeding or infection. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a specified period to promote healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery and evaluate the success of the procedure in alleviating symptoms associated with the varicocele. Pain management may also be addressed as needed, and patients should be instructed on signs of complications that warrant immediate medical attention.
| Short Descr | REVISE SPERMATIC CORD VEINS | Medium Descr | EXC VARICOCELE/LIGATION SPERMATIC VEINS SPX | Long Descr | Excision of varicocele or ligation of spermatic veins for varicocele; (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) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 | 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 | 118 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, male genital |
| 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). | 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. | 74 | Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53. | 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.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | 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) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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