If a doctor performs a laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) with removal of leiomyomata, which procedure code is correct: 58550 or 58551?
A
CPT describes code 58550 as an LAVH, and code 58551 as laparoscopic removal of leiomyoma (i.e., fibroids). Because most fibroids are attached to the uterus you are removing, you should only code for the hysterectomy. If a fibroid in some other location was removed or if overly large fibroids complicated the surgery, you could code the myomectomy separately—just be sure to send a note with the claim and operative report verifying that this was a procedure distinct from the uterus removal.
