CPT® Code 59855

Induced abortion, by 1 or more vaginal suppositories (eg, prostaglandin) with or without cervical dilation (eg, laminaria), including hospital admission and visits, delivery of fetus and secundines;

An induced abortion, also known as a therapeutic abortion, is a medical procedure aimed at terminating a pregnancy. This specific procedure, coded as CPT® 59855, involves the administration of one or more vaginal suppositories, which may include agents such as prostaglandins. The process can occur with or without the use of cervical dilation techniques, such as laminaria, which are often employed to prepare the cervix for the procedure. The procedure encompasses several critical components, including hospital admission, physician visits, and the delivery of both the fetus and the associated tissues, known as secundines. In cases where the abortion is performed during the second trimester, passive dilators may be inserted into the cervix to facilitate the process. During the procedure, a vaginal suppository is placed in the vaginal fornix, and both uterine and fetal activity are closely monitored, along with the vital signs of the mother. Additional doses of vaginal suppositories may be administered at intervals of 6 to 12 hours as needed to ensure the effectiveness of the abortion. The delivery of the fetus and placenta occurs vaginally, and the products of conception are carefully inspected to confirm that the abortion has been completed. In instances where an incomplete abortion is identified, a dilation and curettage (D&C) or evacuation may be necessary to remove any remaining tissue. The procedure also includes specific steps for managing the cervix and uterus, such as cleansing the cervix with antiseptic, using a tenaculum to grasp the anterior cervical lip, and employing a curette for scraping or suctioning the uterine wall. This comprehensive approach ensures that the procedure is conducted safely and effectively, adhering to established medical protocols.