2025 CPT code 38765
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Surgical Procedures on the Hemic and Lymphatic Systems - Lymphadenectomy Surgery Feed
Superficial inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy performed in continuity with pelvic lymphadenectomy, including external iliac, hypogastric, and obturator nodes (separate procedure).
Modifiers 50 (bilateral procedure) may be applicable.Other modifiers may be appropriate depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Consult the CPT coding manual for guidance.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of a clinically significant finding (e.g., palpable lymph nodes, positive sentinel node biopsy, imaging evidence of lymph node metastasis) suggesting lymph node involvement by a malignant process.The need for this procedure must be supported by appropriate documentation.
The surgeon is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, including patient preparation, anesthesia administration (if applicable), incision, lymph node excision, hemostasis, and wound closure.
In simple words: The surgeon removes lymph nodes from the groin and thigh areas, as well as lymph nodes in the pelvis.This is usually done for cancer in the lower belly or pelvis.
This procedure involves the surgical excision of superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal (groin) and femoral (thigh) regions, along with the removal of pelvic lymph nodes, specifically the external iliac, hypogastric, and obturator nodes.Deep lymph nodes are not excised.This is typically performed for cancer involving the lower abdomen and pelvis.
Example 1: A patient presents with a suspected malignant tumor in the lower abdomen and palpable inguinal lymph nodes.A superficial inguinofemoral and pelvic lymphadenectomy is performed to assess the extent of the disease and potentially achieve therapeutic lymph node removal. , A patient with a known diagnosis of pelvic malignancy undergoes a radical surgical resection of the tumor.As a part of the procedure, a superficial inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy is performed to minimize the risk of local recurrence. This is a separate procedure billed accordingly. , A patient with a history of melanoma undergoes an elective inguinofemoral and pelvic lymphadenectomy following sentinel node biopsy.The procedure is performed prophylactically to remove potentially involved lymph nodes and decrease the risk of regional recurrence.
* Preoperative diagnosis and imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI, ultrasound) demonstrating the need for the procedure.* Detailed operative report specifying the number and location of lymph nodes removed.* Pathology report confirming the diagnosis and assessing the extent of lymph node involvement.* Postoperative progress notes documenting the patient's recovery.
** Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer-specific guidelines for billing purposes.This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical or billing advice.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: The Relative Value Units (RVUs) for this code vary depending on the geographic location and other factors. Consult the relevant fee schedule for specific values.
- Global Days: The global period for this procedure is not explicitly defined in the provided data. Further clarification is needed from official guidelines or payer-specific information.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: The application of a Technical Component (TC) modifier is not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: The historical fee schedule information is not available in the provided data.Consult the appropriate fee schedule for historical data.
- Specialties:Surgical Oncology, General Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Outpatient Hospital