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2025 CPT code 38760

Superficial inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy, including Cloquet's node (separate procedure).

For bilateral procedures, report 38760 with modifier 50.Appropriate documentation is essential for accurate coding and reimbursement. Consult the current CPT manual for the most up-to-date coding guidelines.

Modifiers such as -50 (bilateral procedure), -59 (distinct procedural service), and others may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure. Refer to the CPT manual for appropriate modifier use.

Medical necessity for a superficial inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is established when there is clinical suspicion of metastatic disease based on physical examination, imaging findings, or history of cancer in the lower abdomen or extremities.

The surgeon is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, including pre-operative preparation, incision, exploration, lymph node excision, hemostasis, and wound closure.

IMPORTANT:For bilateral procedures, use modifier -50.This code should not be reported with 38531 (biopsy or excision of inguinofemoral lymph nodes) according to some Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits.For limited pelvic and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomies, consider codes 38562 and 38564.

In simple words: The doctor removes superficial lymph nodes in the groin and thigh area. This is typically done for cancer in the lower belly.Deep lymph nodes are not removed.

This code represents the surgical removal of superficial lymph nodes in the inguinal (groin) and femoral (thigh) regions.The procedure specifically targets superficial nodes; deep nodes beneath muscle layers are not included.Inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is often performed for cancer in the lower abdomen. The procedure involves incision, exploration of the inguinal and femoral areas, excision of superficial nodes and nearby tissues, hemostasis (control of bleeding), and layered closure of the incision.Cloquet's node, a lymph node in the inguinal region, is included in this procedure.

Example 1: A patient presents with a suspicious inguinal lymph node and a history of vulvar cancer. A superficial inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is performed to assess for metastatic disease., A patient with melanoma of the lower extremity undergoes a superficial inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy to remove metastatic lymph nodes.The sentinel node biopsy was unsuccessful., A patient with recurrent penile cancer is found to have palpable inguinal lymph nodes on physical exam. A superficial inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is performed to remove these nodes.

Complete history and physical examination;preoperative imaging (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan); operative report detailing the number of lymph nodes removed, location, and any other findings (e.g., presence of metastatic disease); pathology report detailing the results of lymph node examination; postoperative care instructions; follow-up plan.

** Always refer to the most current CPT and CCI edits for the most accurate coding and billing practices.

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