2025 CPT code 39541
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Mediastinum and Diaphragm Surgery Feed
Surgical repair of a recurrent diaphragmatic hernia resulting from chronic traumatic injury.
Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances. Consult current modifier guidelines.
Medical necessity for repair of a recurrent diaphragmatic hernia is supported by symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and abdominal discomfort.Imaging studies demonstrating organ herniation and compromise of respiratory or gastrointestinal function are essential.
The surgeon is responsible for all aspects of the procedure, including patient preparation, anesthesia administration (if applicable), surgical approach, assessment of herniated organs, repair of any associated injuries, diaphragmatic repair, and wound closure.Additional services, such as excision of damaged tissue, would be reported separately.
In simple words: The doctor surgically fixes a hernia (a bulge) in the diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest and abdomen) that's come back after an old injury.This is not for babies with hernias.
This CPT code, 39541, encompasses the surgical repair of a recurrent diaphragmatic hernia stemming from a chronic traumatic injury to the diaphragm.The procedure involves accessing the diaphragm (anterior, posterior, abdominal, or thoracic approach), inspecting herniated organs for damage or non-viability (excision or repair of damaged tissues performed separately), repairing any adhesions or damage, and finally, repairing the diaphragm using sutures or mesh.Closure of the incision in layers completes the procedure. This code excludes repair of neonatal hernias.
Example 1: A 45-year-old male presents with a recurrent diaphragmatic hernia following a motor vehicle accident 20 years prior. The hernia involves the stomach and spleen. The surgeon performs a transthoracic repair of the diaphragmatic defect, repairs the splenic injury and returns the stomach to the abdominal cavity using code 39541., A 60-year-old female with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a previous diaphragmatic hernia repair (following a fall 15 years ago) has a recurrent hernia.The patient undergoes an abdominal approach for repair under general anesthesia. Code 39541 is reported., A 52-year-old male experienced a penetrating injury to the diaphragm during a workplace accident 10 years prior. The patient now presents with shortness of breath, and imaging reveals a large recurrent diaphragmatic hernia. The surgeon performs a laparoscopic repair using mesh. Note: This might require additional codes to describe the laparoscopic approach.
* Preoperative evaluation including history and physical examination, documenting the chronic nature of the injury.* Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, X-ray) demonstrating the diaphragmatic hernia and any associated organ involvement.* Operative report detailing the surgical approach, repair technique (sutures or mesh), and any additional procedures performed.* Pathology report if tissue is excised.* Postoperative progress notes.
** This code is specifically for the repair of chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernias.It does not include the repair of congenital or iatrogenic hernias.Always verify the medical necessity and appropriateness of this code based on the specific clinical scenario.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- RVU: This information is not available in the provided text.Consult the current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for RVU data.
- Global Days: This information is not provided.The global period will vary depending on payer and specific circumstances.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable to this code.
- Fee Schedule: Fee schedule information is not available in this source.Consult the CMS website for historical Medicare fee schedules.
- Specialties:General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center