Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 38570: Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Sampling

CPT code 38570 designates a laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node sampling or biopsy procedure used to stage cancer in the retroperitoneum and nearby structures. Nationally, this code matters because it captures a diagnostic surgical staging service that influences oncology care decisions, subsequent treatment planning, and claims processing for minimally invasive oncologic procedures. Payers use this code to adjudicate surgical claims, determine facility and surgeon payment, and evaluate utilization of laparoscopic staging versus open approaches.

Key payers included in this analysis are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, and which payers commonly cover this type of surgical staging. The publication also summarizes common modifiers associated with surgical procedures (listed separately), discusses typical claim considerations for laparoscopic surgical staging, and outlines benchmarking and policy topics relevant to authorization, facility charges, and coding specificity.

The content helps clinicians, coding staff, and policy analysts understand the clinical role of CPT code 38570, how it is used in claims, and what operational and payer issues commonly arise around laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node sampling. Data not available in the input is noted where applicable.

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 38570 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 38570 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 38570 describes a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which the provider makes small incisions to insert a laparoscope (camera) and specialized instruments to sample one or more lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum. The procedure is performed to stage cancer in the retroperitoneal region and adjacent areas by obtaining tissue for histologic evaluation.

Service type: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node sampling/biopsy (diagnostic surgical staging)
Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center, with possible intraoperative transfer to a higher acuity setting depending on findings or patient needs.

Explore openpayer tools

View all tools

Find policies, billing codes, payers, states, and providers

CPT 38570: Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Sampling

Customize your policy alerts

Sign up for cpt 38570 policy alerts

Get alerted when payer policies referencing 38570 are released or updated.

Monitor payer policy activity

Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

Billing Code Overview

Service type: Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node sampling/biopsy (diagnostic surgical staging)
Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center, with possible intraoperative transfer to a higher acuity setting depending on findings or patient needs.

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 62-year-old man with newly diagnosed testicular germ cell tumor undergoes staging evaluation. Imaging with CT scan shows enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes suspicious for metastatic disease. The surgical oncology team schedules a minimally invasive retroperitoneal lymph node sampling via laparoscopy to obtain tissue for histopathology and staging prior to definitive therapy.

The patient presents to an outpatient ambulatory surgery center after preoperative assessment. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon creates small abdominal trocar sites, inserts a laparoscope for visualization of the retroperitoneum, and uses laparoscopic instruments to sample one or more suspicious lymph nodes. Specimens are sent for frozen section and permanent pathology. The perioperative documentation includes indication, informed consent, operative findings, nodes sampled, estimated blood loss, drains placed (if any), and disposition to recovery. Postoperative orders address pain control, DVT prophylaxis, and follow-up for pathology results to finalize oncologic staging and treatment planning.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`51`	Multiple procedures	When additional distinct surgical procedures are performed during the same operative session in addition to the lymph node sampling.
`52`	Reduced services	When the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as originally intended.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	If the procedure is started but terminated due to patient safety or unforeseen circumstances.
`22`	Increased procedural services	When work, time, or complexity substantially exceeds the usual for the procedure (requires documentation).
`59`	Distinct procedural service	When a separate and distinct procedure not normally performed together is billed on the same day (supports modifier use with supporting documentation).
`62`	Two surgeons	When two surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct portions of the procedure.
`66`	Surgical team	When a surgical team provides the service (e.g., highly complex cases requiring multiple surgeons).
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	For repeat procedure by the same physician within the postoperative period (note: `76` was not in provided list; not included).
`63`	Procedure performed on infants less than 4 kg	When applicable to neonates or very small infants (use only when clinically relevant).
`26`	Professional component	When billing is separated into professional and technical components (rare for operative procedures but applicable if imaging or pathology components billed separately).

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
2080S0006X	General Surgery	General surgeons commonly perform laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node sampling in oncologic staging.
2086S0128X	Surgical Oncology	Surgical oncologists perform complex node dissections and staging procedures.
207L00000X	Urology	Urologists perform retroperitoneal node sampling in testicular and urologic malignancies.
207K00000X	Obstetrics & Gynecology	Gynecologic oncologists may perform retroperitoneal node sampling for gynecologic cancers.
207RC0000X	Radiology — Interventional	Interventional radiologists may obtain percutaneous node biopsies; taxonomy included for context when a hybrid approach occurs.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`C62.9`	Malignant neoplasm of testis, unspecified	Testicular cancer commonly metastasizes to retroperitoneal lymph nodes and prompts staging node sampling.
`C76.2`	Malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum and peritoneum, unspecified	Primary retroperitoneal tumors may require nodal sampling for staging and diagnosis.
`C79.5`	Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone and bone marrow	Included when metastatic workup identifies spread; retroperitoneal node sampling contributes to staging of metastatic disease.
`C80.1`	Malignant (primary) neoplasm, unspecified	When a malignancy is suspected but primary site not yet determined; node sampling may help identify tumor origin.
`D37.6`	Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other retroperitoneum and peritoneum	Used when pathology is uncertain; sampling aids definitive diagnosis and management.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`38531`	Open biopsy or excision of lymph node(s) (superficial)	Alternative open approach when laparoscopic sampling is not feasible; may be performed if conversion to open surgery occurs.
`38525`	Biopsy or excision of intra-abdominal lymph node(s)	Open intra-abdominal node biopsy; represents a non-laparoscopic equivalent for larger or inaccessible nodes.
`49320`	Laparoscopy, diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s)	Sometimes billed for diagnostic laparoscopy; `38570` specifies sampling of retroperitoneal nodes and is more specific for that purpose.
`38500`	Biopsy or excision of lymph node(s) (superficial)	General code for superficial lymph node biopsy; may be used for external nodes encountered during staging.
`88305`	Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination	Pathology CPT for evaluation of biopsy specimens obtained; billed by pathology services after `38570`.

CPT 38571: Laparoscopic Bilateral Pelvic Lymphadenectomy

CPT-38572-LAPAROSCOPIC-PELVIC-AORTIC-LYMPHADENECTOMY

CPT 38572: Laparoscopic Pelvic and Aortic Lymphadenectomy

CPT-38573-PELVIC-AORTIC-LYMPHADENECTOMY-OMENTECTOMY-MINIMALLY-INVASIVE

CPT 38573: Pelvic and Aortic Lymphadenectomy with Omentectomy, Minimally Invasive

CPT-38589-LYMPHATIC-SYSTEM-UNLISTED-PROCEDURE

CPT 38589: Unlisted Procedure, Lymphatic System

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.

Explore openpayer tools

View all tools

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`51`	Multiple procedures	When additional distinct surgical procedures are performed during the same operative session in addition to the lymph node sampling.
`52`	Reduced services	When the procedure is partially reduced or not completed as originally intended.
`53`	Discontinued procedure	If the procedure is started but terminated due to patient safety or unforeseen circumstances.
`22`	Increased procedural services	When work, time, or complexity substantially exceeds the usual for the procedure (requires documentation).
`59`	Distinct procedural service	When a separate and distinct procedure not normally performed together is billed on the same day (supports modifier use with supporting documentation).
`62`	Two surgeons	When two surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct portions of the procedure.
`66`	Surgical team	When a surgical team provides the service (e.g., highly complex cases requiring multiple surgeons).
`76`	Repeat procedure by same physician	For repeat procedure by the same physician within the postoperative period (note: `76` was not in provided list; not included).
`63`	Procedure performed on infants less than 4 kg	When applicable to neonates or very small infants (use only when clinically relevant).
`26`	Professional component	When billing is separated into professional and technical components (rare for operative procedures but applicable if imaging or pathology components billed separately).

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
2080S0006X	General Surgery	General surgeons commonly perform laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node sampling in oncologic staging.
2086S0128X	Surgical Oncology	Surgical oncologists perform complex node dissections and staging procedures.
207L00000X	Urology	Urologists perform retroperitoneal node sampling in testicular and urologic malignancies.
207K00000X	Obstetrics & Gynecology	Gynecologic oncologists may perform retroperitoneal node sampling for gynecologic cancers.
207RC0000X	Radiology — Interventional	Interventional radiologists may obtain percutaneous node biopsies; taxonomy included for context when a hybrid approach occurs.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`C62.9`	Malignant neoplasm of testis, unspecified	Testicular cancer commonly metastasizes to retroperitoneal lymph nodes and prompts staging node sampling.
`C76.2`	Malignant neoplasm of retroperitoneum and peritoneum, unspecified	Primary retroperitoneal tumors may require nodal sampling for staging and diagnosis.
`C79.5`	Secondary malignant neoplasm of bone and bone marrow	Included when metastatic workup identifies spread; retroperitoneal node sampling contributes to staging of metastatic disease.
`C80.1`	Malignant (primary) neoplasm, unspecified	When a malignancy is suspected but primary site not yet determined; node sampling may help identify tumor origin.
`D37.6`	Neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other retroperitoneum and peritoneum	Used when pathology is uncertain; sampling aids definitive diagnosis and management.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`38531`	Open biopsy or excision of lymph node(s) (superficial)	Alternative open approach when laparoscopic sampling is not feasible; may be performed if conversion to open surgery occurs.
`38525`	Biopsy or excision of intra-abdominal lymph node(s)	Open intra-abdominal node biopsy; represents a non-laparoscopic equivalent for larger or inaccessible nodes.
`49320`	Laparoscopy, diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s)	Sometimes billed for diagnostic laparoscopy; `38570` specifies sampling of retroperitoneal nodes and is more specific for that purpose.
`38500`	Biopsy or excision of lymph node(s) (superficial)	General code for superficial lymph node biopsy; may be used for external nodes encountered during staging.
`88305`	Level IV surgical pathology, gross and microscopic examination	Pathology CPT for evaluation of biopsy specimens obtained; billed by pathology services after `38570`.

CPT 38571: Laparoscopic Bilateral Pelvic Lymphadenectomy

CPT-38572-LAPAROSCOPIC-PELVIC-AORTIC-LYMPHADENECTOMY

CPT 38572: Laparoscopic Pelvic and Aortic Lymphadenectomy

CPT-38573-PELVIC-AORTIC-LYMPHADENECTOMY-OMENTECTOMY-MINIMALLY-INVASIVE

CPT 38573: Pelvic and Aortic Lymphadenectomy with Omentectomy, Minimally Invasive

CPT-38589-LYMPHATIC-SYSTEM-UNLISTED-PROCEDURE

CPT 38589: Unlisted Procedure, Lymphatic System

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

OpenPayer

CPT 38570: Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Sampling

Sign up for cpt 38570 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

OpenPayer

CPT 38570: Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Sampling

Sign up for cpt 38570 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

References

CPT 38570: Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Sampling

Sign up for cpt 38570 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

CPT 38570: Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Sampling

Sign up for cpt 38570 policy alerts

Billing Code Overview

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

What does CPT 38570 represent and where is it typically performed?

Which related CPT codes should I consider when coding procedures related to retroperitoneal lymph node sampling?

Which CPT modifiers are commonly associated with CPT 38570 and when are they used?

Which provider specialties and taxonomy codes are commonly associated with performing this procedure?

How are pathology services handled and what operative documentation is relevant for claims?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Coding Specifications

Related Diagnoses

Related CPT Codes

Related Codes

What does CPT 38570 represent and where is it typically performed?

Which related CPT codes should I consider when coding procedures related to retroperitoneal lymph node sampling?

Which CPT modifiers are commonly associated with CPT 38570 and when are they used?

Which provider specialties and taxonomy codes are commonly associated with performing this procedure?

How are pathology services handled and what operative documentation is relevant for claims?

References