CPT code 38720 denotes a complete cervical lymphadenectomy — the surgical removal of lymph nodes and potentially adjacent tissues from the neck, commonly performed for metastatic cancer or other regional disease. This code captures a definitive surgical management step in oncologic and infectious indications where comprehensive nodal clearance is clinically indicated. Nationally, procedures coded with 38720 are relevant for surgical outcomes, perioperative resource use, and post-surgical surveillance patterns.

Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage and payment policies for cervical lymphadenectomy vary by payer and plan type, affecting settings of care (inpatient versus outpatient), prior authorization practices, and coding documentation requirements.

Readers will find practical context on the clinical intent of 38720, typical sites of service, and the kinds of benchmarks and policy issues that influence utilization and reimbursement. The publication outlines expected data elements and metrics that organizations monitor for this surgery, highlights common billing complexities, and summarizes the policy landscape that payers and providers navigate for head and neck lymph node excision procedures. Data not available in the input will be identified as such in detailed sections.