READER QUESTIONS:
Look at Method to Choose Circ Code
Published on Sun Jan 01, 2006
Question: Should I assign CPT 54150 or 54160 for newborn circumcision? I use a Bell clamp, which I leave on for four to five minutes and excise the redundant foreskin.
Ohio Subscriber
Answer: You should report newborn circumcision using a clamp with 54150 (Circumcision, using clamp or other device; newborn), not 54160 (Circumcision, surgical excision other than clamp, device or dorsal slit; newborn). Although pediatricians usually perform 54150 for Gomco and Plastibell procedures, 54160 also describes newborn circumcision.
You should use 54150 for all circumcisions involving a clamp or other device. Code 54160 is for surgical excision other than by clamp, device or dorsal slit.
Remember: Charge for the separate procedure of the dorsal penile or ring block (64450, Injection, anesthetic agent; other peripheral nerve or branch). Payers may require modifier 47 (Anesthesia by surgeon), 59 (Distinct procedural service) or 51 (Multiple procedures) on the nerve block code. Modifier 51 will reduce payment for 64450.
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