CPT code 45800 represents open abdominal surgical repair of a rectovesical fistula, a clinically significant procedure to close an abnormal communication between the rectum and urinary bladder. Nationally, repair of rectovesical fistulae matters because these conditions can cause serious morbidity, recurrent infections, and impaired quality of life; timely definitive surgical repair is a key element of care pathways for affected patients.

Key payers referenced in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The content addresses how the procedure is coded and billed under CPT code 45800, and provides contextual clinical information relevant to coverage and claims processing across major public and commercial payers.

Readers will find a concise overview of clinical intent and typical settings for the service, benchmark and policy-relevant topics commonly associated with surgical fistula repair, and guidance on what documentation and coding elements are central to claims adjudication. Data not provided in the input are noted as unavailable; the material focuses on national relevance rather than state-specific rules. This summary equips coding managers, revenue integrity teams, and clinical leaders with a clear, practical understanding of what CPT code 45800 denotes and why accurate coding matters for patient care and payer interactions.