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The procedure described by CPT® Code 50250 involves the open ablation of one or more renal mass lesions using cryosurgery. Cryosurgery is a technique that employs extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue, in this case, lesions located in the kidney. The procedure is performed through a wide flank incision, which allows the surgeon to access the kidney directly. During the operation, intraoperative ultrasound guidance may be utilized to accurately locate and monitor the lesions being treated. This guidance is crucial for ensuring that the cryosurgical probes are correctly positioned within the lesions. The ablation process consists of a series of freeze-thaw cycles, where the lesions are frozen to create an ice ball that extends beyond the margins of the lesions, effectively destroying the targeted tissue. After the cryosurgical treatment, the surgeon will control any bleeding, place drains if necessary, and then close the incision around the drains to facilitate recovery. This procedure is typically indicated for patients with renal mass lesions that require intervention to prevent further complications or progression of disease.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 50250 is indicated for the treatment of renal mass lesions that require ablation. The specific indications for performing this procedure may include:
The procedure for CPT® Code 50250 involves several key steps that ensure effective ablation of the renal mass lesions. These steps are as follows:
Post-procedure care following the ablation of renal mass lesions includes monitoring for any complications such as bleeding or infection. Patients may require pain management and should be observed for signs of recovery from anesthesia. The placement of drains, if performed, will help in the management of any fluid accumulation. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and to monitor the patient’s overall recovery. The expected recovery time may vary based on the individual patient's health status and the extent of the procedure performed.
| Short Descr | OPN ABLTJ 1/> RNL MAS CRYSRG | Medium Descr | OPEN ABLATION 1/>RENAL MASS LESION CRYOSURGICAL | Long Descr | Ablation, open, 1 or more renal mass lesion(s), cryosurgical, including intraoperative ultrasound guidance and monitoring, if performed | 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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures 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 | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 112 - Other OR therapeutic procedures of urinary tract |
| 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. | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Long description revised. Medium description changed. Guideline information changed. |
| 2009-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2006-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2006. |
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