Physician Practice

CPT Manual moves laparoscopic ablation of uterine fibroid tumors from Category III codes

Physician Practice Insider, February 21, 2017

CPT has granted coders a new code, 58674 (laparoscopy, surgical, ablation of uterine fibroid(s), including intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring, radiofrequency), effective January 1 for the laparoscopic ablation of uterine fibroid tumors.

This addition marks another successful transition of a code from the temporary Category III codes for emerging technology, services and procedures to a permanent Category I code. The new code replaces Category III code 0336T.

The usage and transition of a Category III code to a permanent CPT code creates a few changes in billing. It allows for a solid relative value unit allocation to the code, and insurance payers will also put this into their payment code base for standardized payment. However, some insurance payers may still consider code 58674 to be an experimental code, so it is advisable to call the carrier prior to the procedure being performed to inquire about payment of this procedure with the new CPT code.

Code 58674 will primarily be used to report a procedure known as a laparoscopic radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation. This procedure destroys uterine fibroids while preserving the uterus, and it is a good option for women who still want to pursue pregnancy or simply want to avoid a more major surgery (such as hysterectomy) to remove fibroid tumors from the uterus.

This article originally appeared on JustCoding. Read the complete, detailed article here.

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