CPT Assistant in April and August of 2003 directs the coder to apply modifier -47

to the nerve
block code and modifier -25 to the ubsequent newborn exam code.

If the clamp circumcision (54150) was performed, the regional block is included in
the
code description and is not reported separately. Modifier -52 should be appended if
the regional
or ring block is not used.

Testis

For orchiectomy (excision of testi ), the documentation should identify the

procedure (whether
simple or radical), the approach, and any additional procedures performed. For
orchiopexy
(suture of undescended testis), the documentation should identify the approach and
additional
procedures performed.

Vas Deferens

In the vas deferens subsection, a vasectomy is reported using code 55250. The code
description
states unilateral or bilateral; therefore, the -50 bilateral modifier is not
reported for this code.
This procedure includes po toperative semen examinations to determine whether the
semen
contains perm. The number of semen examinations varies in each case and is
determined by
the physician.

Spermatic Cord

For excision or ligation of a varicocele, the documentation should distinguish

between
a laparoscopic approach (55550) and an abdominal approach (55535). Code 55559 is
used
for a laparo copic procedure, other than a ligation for varicocele, performed on
the spermatic
cord.

Prostate

For prostate procedures, a prostate biopsy is reported using codes 55700-55705,

depending
on the type of biop y (needle or punch, or incisional). When ultrasonic guidance is
used to
perform the needle biopsy, the coder should refer to code 76942. When the physician
performs
a needle biop y and ultrasonic guidance, both 55700 and 76942 are coded. When
stereotactic
template guidance is u ed for saturation sampling, code 55706 is u ed. Code 55706
includes
the imaging guidance.

When a fine needle aspiration is performed instead of a biopsy, the coder should
refer to
codes 10004-10021.

Reproductive System Procedures

CPT code 55920 describe the process of placing needles or catheters into pelvic
organs and/
or genitalia (except the prostate) for later interstitial radioelement application.

Intersex Surgery

This section contains two codes. Code 55970 describes the process of intersex
surgery from
male to female and code 55980 describes intersex surgery from female to male.