2025 CPT code 59840
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures for Maternity Care and Delivery Surgery Feed
Induced abortion, by dilation and curettage.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure (e.g., 51 for multiple procedures, 22 for increased procedural services, etc.).
Medical necessity is established based on patient autonomy (elective abortion) or medical indications such as fetal abnormalities, maternal health risks, or pregnancy resulting from rape or incest.Documentation supporting the reason for abortion is crucial.
The physician is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, including patient positioning, anesthesia administration, cervical dilation, uterine evacuation, and post-procedure care. Pathology review of the removed tissue is also the physician's responsibility.
In simple words: This is a surgical procedure to end a pregnancy. The doctor removes the fetus and related tissue from the womb through the vagina.The cervix (the opening to the womb) is widened, and a special instrument is used to remove everything.
This procedure involves the deliberate termination of a pregnancy for elective or therapeutic reasons.The fetus and products of conception are removed via a vaginal approach. The cervix is dilated, and a suction curette is used to empty the uterine cavity. This procedure is typically performed during the first trimester (less than 14 weeks gestation). The patient is positioned in a dorsal lithotomy position, and anesthesia (general or regional) is administered. A speculum is inserted, the cervix is cleansed, and serial dilation is performed if the cervix is closed. A tenaculum is used to grasp and pull the cervix.A manual or electric suction aspirator empties the uterine cavity.Removed products of conception are sent to pathology for completeness confirmation.Bleeding is controlled, and instruments are withdrawn.
Example 1: A 24-year-old patient requests an elective termination of her 8-week pregnancy., A 19-year-old patient presents with a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) at 12 weeks' gestation. The pregnancy is incomplete, necessitating surgical intervention., A 30-year-old patient with a medically indicated termination due to fetal abnormalities at 10 weeks' gestation.
Complete patient history, including reason for abortion, gestational age, and any relevant medical history.Consent form, operative report detailing the procedure, pathology report confirming complete removal of products of conception, and post-operative instructions.
** This code is specifically for surgical abortion procedures using dilation and curettage.Medical management of spontaneous abortion uses E/M codes.Always ensure complete and accurate documentation to support medical necessity and coding accuracy.
- Revenue Code: P5E (AMBULATORY PROCEDURES - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Place of Service:Office, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital (Inpatient or Outpatient)