2025 CPT code 39540
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Mediastinum and Diaphragm Feed
Surgical repair of a diaphragmatic hernia caused by acute traumatic injury.
Modifiers such as 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 51 (Multiple Procedures), and others may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure.
Medical necessity for this procedure is established by the presence of a diaphragmatic hernia resulting from an acute traumatic injury. The documentation should support the diagnosis and the need for surgical intervention to prevent complications such as organ damage or respiratory compromise.
The surgeon determines the appropriate surgical approach based on the patient's injuries, inspects and manages any damaged herniated organs, and repairs the diaphragmatic defect.
In simple words: The surgeon repairs a tear in the diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest and abdomen) caused by a recent injury.This involves putting any abdominal organs that have moved into the chest back in their place and fixing the tear. The surgeon might use stitches or a mesh patch for the repair.
This code describes the surgical repair of a diaphragmatic hernia resulting from an acute traumatic injury. The procedure may involve various surgical approaches (anterior, posterior, abdominal, or thoracic) depending on the nature and location of the injury. It includes inspection and potential repair or excision of herniated organs and the repair of the diaphragm itself using sutures or mesh.This code does not apply to neonatal diaphragmatic hernias.
Example 1: A patient presents with a traumatic diaphragmatic hernia following a motor vehicle accident, requiring surgical repair., A patient sustains a penetrating injury to the chest resulting in a diaphragmatic hernia with herniation of the stomach into the thoracic cavity, necessitating surgical intervention., A patient experiences a fall leading to a diaphragmatic tear and herniation of abdominal contents. Surgical repair is performed to restore the diaphragm's integrity and reposition the organs.
Documentation should include details of the traumatic event, the location and extent of the diaphragmatic injury, the involvement of other organs, the surgical approach used, and the method of repair (suture or mesh).
- Revenue Code: P1G - Major Procedure - Other
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery, General Surgery, Trauma Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital