CPT® Code 59620

The CPT® Code 59620 refers to a specific type of cesarean delivery that occurs after an attempted vaginal delivery in a patient with a history of a previous cesarean section. This procedure is commonly known as a cesarean delivery following a failed trial of labor or a failed vaginal birth after cesarean (failed VBAC). The process begins with routine obstetric care, which encompasses both antepartum and postpartum care. During the antepartum phase, the physician conducts a thorough maternal history and evaluates the health status of both the mother and fetus. This includes regular prenatal office visits, which are scheduled monthly for the first 28 weeks of gestation, biweekly visits until 36 weeks, and weekly visits thereafter. When the trial of labor does not result in a successful vaginal delivery, the patient is then prepared for a cesarean delivery. The physician administers an epidural or other form of anesthesia before making an incision in the abdomen. The uterus is then incised, and the amniotic fluid is suctioned out. Due to the attempted vaginal delivery, the baby's head is typically engaged in the pelvis, necessitating the physician to disengage the head before delivering it through the uterine incision. After the head is delivered, the physician clears the baby's airways by suctioning. The baby is subsequently removed from the uterus, while the physician checks for any complications such as umbilical cord entanglement. Once the baby is delivered, it is shown to the parents and placed in a warmer for examination and care by other medical staff. Following the delivery, the placenta is removed and examined, and the uterine incision is closed. The abdominal incision is also closed in layers. Post-delivery, the physician continues to provide care for the patient during her hospital stay and offers follow-up care after the cesarean delivery.