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Official Description

Biopsy of ovary, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 58900 refers to a biopsy of the ovary, which can be performed on one or both ovaries, hence the term unilateral or bilateral. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, indicating that it is distinct from other surgical interventions that may be performed concurrently. During the biopsy, the physician makes an incision through the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen to access the ovaries. The process involves careful dissection through various layers of abdominal tissue, including the anterior rectus fascia and the rectus muscles, to reach the peritoneal cavity. Once the ovaries are visualized, any lesions present are identified, and tissue samples are collected for laboratory analysis. This procedure is critical for diagnosing conditions affecting the ovaries, such as tumors or cysts, and is performed with the intent of obtaining accurate histological information to guide further management. After the biopsy, the abdominal layers are meticulously closed to ensure proper healing and minimize complications.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The biopsy of the ovary, as described by CPT® Code 58900, is indicated for various clinical scenarios where there is a need to obtain tissue samples from the ovaries. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Ovarian Tumors The presence of a suspected ovarian tumor, whether benign or malignant, necessitates a biopsy to determine the nature of the lesion.
  • Ovarian Cysts When cysts are detected on imaging studies and there is uncertainty regarding their characteristics, a biopsy may be performed to assess for any atypical or concerning features.
  • Infertility Evaluation In cases of unexplained infertility, an ovarian biopsy may be indicated to evaluate the ovarian tissue for any underlying pathological conditions.
  • Endometriosis If endometriosis is suspected, particularly when it involves the ovaries, a biopsy can help confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the disease.

2. Procedure

The procedure for performing a biopsy of the ovary involves several critical steps to ensure accurate tissue sampling and patient safety. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration The procedure typically begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the operation. This may involve general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, depending on the clinical scenario and physician preference.
  • Step 2: Incision The surgeon makes an incision through the skin and subcutaneous tissue of the abdomen. This incision is strategically placed to provide optimal access to the ovaries while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 3: Dissection After the initial incision, the surgeon carefully clears the subcutaneous fat and incises the anterior rectus fascia. The rectus muscles are then retracted to expose the underlying transversalis fascia and peritoneum.
  • Step 4: Peritoneal Cavity Access The peritoneal cavity is inspected for any abnormalities. This step is crucial as it allows the surgeon to visualize the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes, ensuring that any lesions can be accurately identified.
  • Step 5: Tissue Sampling Once the ovaries are exposed, the surgeon inspects them for any lesions. If an ovarian lesion is identified, tissue samples are obtained using appropriate biopsy instruments. These samples are then sent for laboratory analysis to determine the histological characteristics of the tissue.
  • Step 6: Closure After the biopsy is completed, the abdomen is closed in layers. This involves suturing the peritoneum, rectus muscles, and fascia, followed by the skin closure, ensuring that the incision heals properly and minimizes the risk of complications.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the biopsy of the ovary, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Post-procedure care may include pain management, instructions for activity restrictions, and guidance on wound care. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to discuss the results of the laboratory analysis and to determine any further management based on the findings of the biopsy. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain or signs of infection, to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr BIOPSY OF OVARY(S)
Medium Descr BIOPSY OVARY UNI/BI SEPARATE PROCEDURE
Long Descr Biopsy of ovary, unilateral or bilateral (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) 2 - 150% payment adjustment 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 130 - Other diagnostic 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).
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.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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