What is CPT code 38900 with modifier 50?

Asked by: Sibyl Will  |  Last update: March 10, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (65 votes)

CPT 38900-50 describes intraoperative injection of dye for sentinel node identification. Modifier -50 is used for bilateral injections, and increases reimbursement by 150%, increasing the wRVU from 3.75 to 5.625.

Does CPT 38900 require a modifier?

CPT code +38900 is used for the intraoperative identification (e.g., mapping) of sentinel lymph node(s) and includes injection of non-radioactive dye, when performed. -50 modifier can be appended for bilateral mapping.

How do I add modifier 50 to CPT code?

Modifier 50 – Correct Usage

Report codes with a BILAT SURG indicator of 1 by appending modifier 50 and submit 1 unit of service on one line. Report codes with a BILAT SURG indicator of 3 either by appending modifier 50 using 1 unit of service on one line or when performing the procedure on bilateral body parts.

What is the CPT code for bilateral partial vulvectomy?

To code this procedure, the most appropriate vulvectomy code is 56630, partial radical vulvectomy, since less than 80% of the vulva was removed. The code for sentinel lymph node biopsies is 38531 and is appended with the bilateral procedure modifier, -50.

What is procedure code 38900?

to indicate the intraoperative work done to identify the sentinel lymph nodes. Therefore, lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy is billed using codes 19301, 38525-51, and 38900. Total mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy uses codes 19303, 38525-51, and 38900.

WHAT IS MODIFIER 50? BILATERAL PROCEDURE MEDICAL CODING | MEDICAL CODING WITH BLEU

23 related questions found

Can CPT 38900 and 38792 be billed together?

38900 is identified in your CPT® book as an add on code which means it cannot be billed by itself seperatly. There fore you have to have a primary code to bill with first such as 38792.

How much does lymphoscintigraphy cost?

Procedure Details

On MDsave, the cost of a Sentinel Node Lymphoscintigraphy ranges from $537 to $1,421.00.

How do you code a vulvectomy?

If you remove >80% of the total vulva, it is considered “Vulvectomy, simple complete” (56625). If <80% is removed, it is considered “Vulvectomy, simple partial (56620).

What is the difference between modified and radical vulvectomy?

A partial or modified radical vulvectomy removes part of the vulva, including the deep tissue. In a complete radical vulvectomy, the entire vulva and deep tissues, including the clitoris, are removed. A complete radical vulvectomy rarely needed.

What is a partial vulvectomy?

(PAR-shul vul-VEK-toh-mee) Surgery to remove an affected area of the vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina) along with a small amount of surrounding normal tissue.

When should modifier 50 be used?

The modifier 50 is defined as a bilateral procedure performed on both sides of the body. Services will be rejected as unprocessable when the procedure code reported is inconsistent with the modifier used.

How do you know if a CPT code needs a modifier?

What Are Medical Coding Modifiers?
  • The service or procedure has both professional and technical components.
  • More than one provider performed the service or procedure.
  • More than one location was involved.
  • A service or procedure was increased or reduced in comparison to what the code typically requires.

How do I know if a CPT code is bilateral?

If the code has an indicator of two, it is a bilateral procedure code. You would not need to add a modifier 50 because the code is already bilateral. A code with this indicator lets the insurance company know that both sides were done. Claims will be processed at 100% of the allowable.

Do add on CPT codes need modifiers?

All add-on codes are exempt from the “multiple procedure” concept, per CPT® instructions. As such, you never would append modifier 51 multiple procedures to a designated add-on code. Other important points to remember about add-on codes include: They are denoted in CPT® with a “+” to the left of the code.

How much does a lymph node biopsy cost without insurance?

Procedure Details

How Much Does a Lymph Node Biopsy Cost? On MDsave, the cost of a Lymph Node Biopsy ranges from $4,729 to $9,436.

What is the CPT code for partial mastectomy?

CPT code 19301 is used to describe a partial mastectomy, which is a surgical procedure where only a portion of the breast tissue is removed.

What is the CPT code for modified radical vulvectomy?

CPT® Code 56631 in section: Vulvectomy, radical, partial.

What is included in a radical vulvectomy?

Removing the whole vulva (radical vulvectomy)

Surgery to remove the whole vulva is called a radical vulvectomy or vulvectomy. The surgeon removes the whole vulva, including the inner and outer lips of the vulva. You may also have the clitoris removed.

What is the classification of a vulvectomy?

In the analysis radical vulvectomy, vulvectomy, complete vulvectomy, total vulvectomy, simple vulvectomy and skinning vulvectomy are defined as vulvectomy. Subtotal vulvectomy, hemivulvectomy and partial vulvectomy are defined as partial vulvectomy.

What is the difference between a total vulvectomy and a radical vulvectomy?

Simple vulvar excision typically involves removal of the epidermis, dermis, 2 to 3 mm of underlying adipose tissue, and at least a 1 cm margin. By contrast, radical excision entails removal of simple structures as well as subcutaneous adipose tissue extending to, and often including deep vulvar anatomical structures.

What is the ICD-10 code for aftercare following vulvectomy?

ICD-10 Code for Encounter for surgical aftercare following surgery on the genitourinary system- Z48. 816- Codify by AAPC.

What anesthesia is used for radical vulvectomy?

For a full radical vulvectomy, in which the entire vulva, surrounding deep tissues, and clitoris are removed, I prefer general endotracheal anesthesia with the patient given the option of an epidural for postoperative pain control.

Can you drive after lymphoscintigraphy?

With Lymphoscintigraphy the lymphatic flow is visualised and the sentinel lymph node (SLN) on a direct drainage pathway from the primary tumour is identified and located. There are no preparations or restrictions before or after a lymphoscintigraphy scan. You are able to drive, eat and drink as normal.

Which is the largest lymphatic vessel in the body?

The thoracic duct (also known as van Hoorne's canal) is the largest lymphatic vessel of the lymphatic system of the body. It is approximately 40 cm in length in adults, and approximately 5 mm in width at its abdominal origin. The thoracic duct extends from the twelfth thoracic vertebra to the root of the neck.

Is lymphatic drainage expensive?

For a one-time visit, the price of a lymphatic drainage massage can range significantly. On average, you might expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $200 for a single session.