Urology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Take the Ache Out of This Orchiopexy Procedure

Question: Is it appropriate to use CPT® code 54640 for a case of retractile testis? The patient’s testicle is typically descended but occasionally relocates into the inguinal canal.

AAPC Forum Subscriber

Answer: You are correct. The appropriate code to report for the commonly performed “transcrotal” orchiopexy for retractile testicles is 54640 (Orchiopexy, inguinal or scrotal approach).

Don’t miss: If you needed to report fixation (orchiopexy) of an intra-abdominal testicle via an open abdominal approach, report 54650 (Orchiopexy, abdominal approach, for intra-abdominal testis (eg, Fowler-Stephens)) instead. Also, If an orchiopexy of an intra-abdominal testis using a laparoscopic approach is performed, report 54692 (Laparoscopy, surgical; orchiopexy for intra-abdominal testis). For procedures performed on both testes, report the appropriate orchiopexy procedure code with modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure).