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Official Description

Fitting and insertion of pessary or other intravaginal support device

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 57160 involves the fitting and insertion of a pessary or other intravaginal support device. A pessary is a medical device that is used to provide support to pelvic organs that may be experiencing prolapse, which is a condition where organs such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum descend into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic muscles and connective tissues. The physician's role in this procedure is to carefully select an appropriate pessary based on the individual patient's anatomy and the severity of the prolapse. Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for customization to meet the specific needs of each patient. During the fitting process, the physician assesses the patient's condition and chooses a device that will effectively support the pelvic organs. Once the correct pessary is selected, the physician proceeds to insert the device into the vagina, ensuring it is positioned correctly to provide optimal support and alleviate the symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse. This nonsurgical approach is often preferred by patients who may not be candidates for surgery or who wish to explore less invasive treatment options.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The fitting and insertion of a pessary or other intravaginal support device is indicated for patients experiencing pelvic organ prolapse. This condition may present with various symptoms and complications that necessitate intervention. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse The presence of pelvic organ prolapse, where the bladder, uterus, or rectum descends into the vaginal canal, leading to discomfort or functional impairment.
  • Urinary Incontinence Symptoms of urinary incontinence that may be associated with pelvic organ prolapse, prompting the need for supportive intervention.
  • Pelvic Pressure or Discomfort Patients reporting a sensation of pressure, heaviness, or discomfort in the pelvic region that may be alleviated by the use of a pessary.
  • Desire for Nonsurgical Treatment Patients who prefer a nonsurgical option for managing their pelvic organ prolapse symptoms, either due to personal preference or contraindications for surgical intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure for fitting and inserting a pessary or other intravaginal support device involves several key steps to ensure proper placement and patient comfort. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment The physician begins by conducting a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history and current symptoms. This includes a physical examination to evaluate the severity of the pelvic organ prolapse and to determine the appropriate type and size of the pessary needed for effective support.
  • Step 2: Selection of Pessary Based on the assessment, the physician selects a pessary that is suitable for the patient's anatomy and the specific characteristics of the prolapse. Pessaries come in various shapes and sizes, and the physician must choose one that will provide adequate support while ensuring comfort for the patient.
  • Step 3: Fitting the Pessary The physician then fits the selected pessary to the patient. This involves inserting the device into the vagina and adjusting its position to ensure it is properly aligned and providing the necessary support to the pelvic organs. The physician may ask the patient to perform certain movements to confirm that the pessary is secure and comfortable.
  • Step 4: Patient Education After successful insertion, the physician provides the patient with instructions on how to care for the pessary, including how to remove and reinsert it, as well as guidelines for hygiene and monitoring for any potential complications.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the fitting and insertion of a pessary involves several considerations to ensure the patient's comfort and the effectiveness of the device. Patients are typically advised to return for follow-up visits to monitor the fit and function of the pessary, as adjustments may be necessary over time. It is important for patients to be educated on signs of complications, such as discomfort, irritation, or unusual discharge, which may indicate the need for medical attention. Additionally, patients should be instructed on proper hygiene practices to maintain the health of the vaginal environment while using the pessary. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to assess the ongoing effectiveness of the pessary and to make any necessary modifications to the treatment plan.

Short Descr INSERT PESSARY/OTHER DEVICE
Medium Descr FIT&INSJ PESSARY/OTH INTRAVAGINAL SUPPORT DEVI
Long Descr Fitting and insertion of pessary or other intravaginal support device
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
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) 1 - Statutory 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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 131 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures, female organs
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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.
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
32 Mandated services: services related to mandated consultation and/or related services (eg, third party payer, governmental, legislative or regulatory requirement) may be identified by adding modifier 32 to the basic procedure.
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CG Policy criteria applied
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X1 Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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