2025 CPT code 49650
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Hernia Laparoscopic Procedures Surgery Feed
Laparoscopic repair of an initial inguinal hernia.
Modifiers such as 22 (Increased Procedural Services), 50 (Bilateral Procedure), 52 (Reduced Services), 59 (Distinct Procedural Service), 78 (Unplanned Return to the Operating/Procedure Room by the Same Physician), and others may be applicable depending on the circumstances.
Medical necessity for 49650 is established by the presence of a symptomatic inguinal hernia causing pain, discomfort, or other complications.The medical record must document the symptoms, physical findings, and failed attempts at conservative management (if any).
The physician is responsible for performing the laparoscopic repair of the inguinal hernia, including prepping the patient, making the incisions, inserting the instruments, repositioning the hernia, placing the mesh (if necessary), and closing the incisions.They also manage the patient's pre- and post-operative care.
In simple words: The surgeon repairs a hernia in the groin area using a minimally invasive technique called laparoscopy.A small camera and surgical tools are inserted through tiny incisions. The bulging tissue is put back in place, and a mesh may be used to strengthen the abdominal wall.
Laparoscopic repair of an initial inguinal hernia.An inguinal hernia involves abdominal contents bulging through the posterior wall of the inguinal canal. The procedure involves making small incisions, inflating the abdomen with carbon dioxide, inserting a scope and instruments, pushing the herniated intestine back into place, and potentially placing mesh over the defect. The incisions are then closed with sutures.
Example 1: A 35-year-old male presents with a reducible right inguinal hernia. He undergoes laparoscopic repair with mesh placement (49650)., A 60-year-old female with an initial left inguinal hernia undergoes laparoscopic repair without mesh (49650)., A 25-year-old male presents with a painful, incarcerated right inguinal hernia.He undergoes laparoscopic repair, and the hernia is reduced without the need for bowel resection. (49650)
Documentation should include the type and location of hernia (initial or recurrent, right or left), the size of the hernia defect, the operative technique (laparoscopic), whether mesh was used, any complications, and the post-operative plan.
** This code is for initial inguinal hernia repairs. Recurrent hernia repairs are reported with different codes.The documentation should clearly indicate the type of hernia and the side on which the procedure was performed. If a strangulated hernia requires repair of other organs (e.g. bowel resection), additional codes should be used.
- Specialties:General Surgery
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital - Outpatient, Inpatient Hospital