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The procedure described by CPT® Code 57511 involves the cauterization of the cervix using cryocautery, which is a technique that employs extreme cold to ablate abnormal cervical tissue. This procedure can be performed either as an initial treatment or as a repeat intervention. During the process, a speculum is inserted into the vaginal vault to allow visualization of the cervix. The physician then utilizes a hand-held instrument that delivers a cold source, typically in the form of compressed nitrous oxide or liquid nitrogen, to freeze the targeted abnormal tissue on the cervix. This freezing process effectively destroys the abnormal cells, promoting healing and potentially preventing further complications. It is important to note that cryocautery is distinct from other methods of cervical cautery, such as thermal or electrocautery, which use heat to achieve similar outcomes. The choice of cryocautery may be based on the specific characteristics of the cervical abnormality being treated and the clinical judgment of the physician.
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The procedure coded as CPT® 57511 is indicated for the treatment of various cervical abnormalities. These may include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 57511 involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:
After the cryocautery procedure coded as CPT® 57511, patients may experience some discomfort or cramping, which is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. It is important for patients to follow any specific post-procedure care instructions provided by their physician, which may include avoiding sexual intercourse, tampons, or douching for a specified period to allow for proper healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
| Short Descr | CRYOCAUTERY OF CERVIX | Medium Descr | CAUTERY CERVIX CRYOCAUTERY INITIAL/REPEAT | Long Descr | Cautery of cervix; cryocautery, initial or repeat | 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 | 125 - Other excision of cervix and uterus |
| AG | Primary physician | 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). | 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. | 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. | 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.) | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | UA | Medicaid level of care 10, as defined by each state |
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| 2002-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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