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Official Description

Endocervical curettage (not done as part of a dilation and curettage)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 57505 refers to endocervical curettage, which is a surgical technique used to collect tissue samples from the endocervical canal. This procedure is specifically noted to be performed independently and not as part of a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure. During endocervical curettage, a physician utilizes a speculum to gain access to the vaginal vault, allowing for visualization of the cervix. Once the cervix is clearly seen, a curette—a specialized surgical instrument designed for scraping— is carefully inserted into the cervical canal. The physician then scrapes a small amount of tissue from the upper regions of the cervical canal to obtain a sample. This tissue is crucial for further analysis, as it is sent to a laboratory for a microscopic examination, which can help in diagnosing various cervical conditions. The procedure is significant in gynecological practice, particularly for evaluating abnormal cervical findings or symptoms, and is performed with precision to ensure the integrity of the tissue sample collected.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The endocervical curettage procedure is indicated for several specific clinical scenarios, particularly when there is a need to obtain tissue samples from the cervical canal for diagnostic purposes. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Abnormal Pap Smear Results The procedure may be performed when a Pap smear indicates atypical cells or other abnormalities that require further investigation.
  • Persistent Vaginal Bleeding Endocervical curettage can be indicated in cases of unexplained or persistent vaginal bleeding, where tissue sampling may help identify underlying causes.
  • Cervical Lesions The presence of visible lesions or abnormalities on the cervix may necessitate tissue sampling to determine the nature of these findings.
  • Evaluation of Cervical Pathology This procedure is often indicated for the evaluation of suspected cervical pathology, including pre-cancerous changes or other cervical diseases.

2. Procedure

The endocervical curettage procedure involves several key steps that ensure the effective collection of tissue samples from the cervical canal. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Positioning The patient is positioned appropriately, usually in a lithotomy position, to allow for optimal access to the vaginal canal and cervix. A thorough explanation of the procedure is provided to the patient to ensure understanding and comfort.
  • Step 2: Speculum Insertion A speculum is gently inserted into the vaginal vault. This instrument is used to hold the vaginal walls apart, providing a clear view of the cervix. Proper visualization is crucial for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 3: Cervical Visualization Once the speculum is in place, the physician carefully visualizes the cervix to assess its condition and identify any abnormalities that may be present. This step is essential for determining the appropriate approach for tissue sampling.
  • Step 4: Tissue Sampling A curette is then inserted into the cervical canal. The physician scrapes a small amount of tissue from the upper regions of the cervical canal. This scraping technique is performed with precision to ensure an adequate sample is obtained without causing excessive trauma to the cervical tissue.
  • Step 5: Sample Collection The collected tissue sample is carefully removed and placed in a suitable container for laboratory analysis. It is important that the sample is handled properly to maintain its integrity for subsequent microscopic examination.

3. Post-Procedure

After the endocervical curettage procedure, patients may experience some mild cramping or spotting, which is generally considered normal. It is important for the physician to provide post-procedure care instructions, including recommendations for activity restrictions and signs of potential complications to watch for, such as heavy bleeding or signs of infection. Patients are typically advised to avoid sexual intercourse, douching, or using tampons for a specified period following the procedure to allow for proper healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the tissue analysis and any further necessary actions based on those findings.

Short Descr ENDOCERVICAL CURETTAGE
Medium Descr ENDOCERVICAL CURETTAGE NOT DONE AS PART OF D&C
Long Descr Endocervical curettage (not done as part of a dilation and curettage)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - 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 132 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, female organs
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.)
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.)
AG Primary physician
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
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
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
TD Rn
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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