© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
A prostatotomy, specifically CPT® Code 55720, refers to a surgical procedure aimed at draining an abscess located within the prostate gland. This procedure can be performed through various approaches, but in this case, it is categorized as a simple prostatotomy. The primary objective of this intervention is to alleviate the accumulation of pus that forms in the prostate due to an infection, which can lead to significant discomfort and complications if left untreated. During the procedure, a healthcare professional may utilize transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance to enhance the accuracy of the drainage. This involves the insertion of a TRUS probe into the rectum to visualize the abscess pocket. Following this, a small incision is made in the perineum, allowing for the insertion of a biopsy needle and guide, which are advanced under the guidance of the ultrasound into the abscess area. Once the pus is aspirated, a pigtail catheter is placed into the abscess pocket to facilitate ongoing drainage, ensuring that the infection is effectively managed. The procedure concludes with securing the catheter and dressing the perineal area to promote healing and prevent infection.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 55720 is indicated for the management of prostatic abscesses. The following conditions may warrant the performance of a simple prostatotomy:
The steps involved in performing a simple prostatotomy for external drainage of a prostatic abscess, as outlined in CPT® Code 55720, are as follows:
Post-procedure care following a simple prostatotomy includes monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. The catheter will typically remain in place for a specified duration to facilitate ongoing drainage of the abscess. Patients may be advised on proper care of the catheter and incision site, as well as any necessary follow-up appointments to assess healing and ensure the resolution of the abscess. Pain management may also be addressed, and patients should be instructed to report any unusual symptoms, such as fever or increased pain, to their healthcare provider promptly.
| Short Descr | DRAINAGE OF PROSTATE ABSCESS | Medium Descr | PROSTATOTOMY EXTERNAL DRG ABSCESS SIMPLE | Long Descr | Prostatotomy, external drainage of prostatic abscess, any approach; simple | 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) | 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 | 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 |
| 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.) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.