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An induced abortion, specifically coded as CPT® 59840, refers to a medical procedure where the pregnancy is intentionally terminated through a method known as dilation and curettage (D&C). This procedure is classified as a therapeutic abortion, distinguishing it from spontaneous abortions or miscarriages. The process begins with the insertion of a speculum into the vagina to allow for a clear view of the cervix, which is then cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. A tenaculum, a surgical instrument, is used to grasp the anterior lip of the cervix, providing stability during the procedure. To assess the depth and angle of the uterus, a sound is passed through the cervix. Prior to the actual dilation, the cervix is numbed to reduce discomfort. Dilation is achieved by inserting a series of metal rods, known as dilators, of increasing diameter into the cervical canal. Alternatively, a laminaria tent may be utilized, which is a type of absorbent material inserted into the cervix several hours before the procedure. This tent absorbs moisture and gradually expands, aiding in the dilation process. Once the cervix is adequately dilated, a curette—a surgical instrument designed for scraping— is inserted through the cervix to scrape the uterine wall, collecting tissue that is subsequently sent for pathological examination. After the procedure, the tenaculum is removed, and any bleeding from the cervix is managed through the application of pressure. This detailed process ensures that the abortion is performed safely and effectively, adhering to medical standards and practices.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure coded as CPT® 59840 is indicated for the intentional termination of pregnancy through dilation and curettage. This method may be performed in various clinical scenarios, including but not limited to:
The procedure for CPT® 59840 involves several critical steps to ensure the safe and effective termination of pregnancy through dilation and curettage. The steps are as follows:
Following the dilation and curettage procedure coded as CPT® 59840, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection. It is essential for patients to receive instructions regarding post-procedure care, which may include recommendations for pain management, activity restrictions, and signs of complications that should prompt immediate medical attention. Patients may also be advised to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure proper recovery and address any ongoing concerns related to the procedure.
| Short Descr | INDUCED ABORTION D&C | Medium Descr | INDUCED ABORTION DILATION AND CURETTAGE | Long Descr | Induced abortion, by dilation and curettage | Status Code | Restricted Coverage | 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) | 0 - 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 | 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 | 126 - Abortion (termination of pregnancy) |
| 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.) | AG | Primary physician | CR | Catastrophe/disaster related | G7 | Pregnancy resulted from rape or incest or pregnancy certified by physician as life threatening | 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 | 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 | SE | State and/or federally-funded programs/services | UA | Medicaid level of care 10, as defined by each state |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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