Summary & Overview
CPT 50380: Renal Reimplantation (Renal Autotransplantation)
CPT code 50380 represents surgical removal of a kidney from its original anatomic position with reimplantation into a new site via connection of the renal vessels to iliac vessels. The procedure is used to preserve renal function when relocation of the kidney is clinically indicated and is performed as a major operative vascular and urologic reconstruction. Nationally, this code is relevant for hospitals and specialty surgical practices that manage complex renal vascular or urologic pathology requiring organ relocation.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and the service type associated with this code. The publication summarizes common billing modifiers and payer coverage considerations where available and presents benchmarking and reimbursement context for institutional and professional billing teams.
This resource explains when CPT code 50380 is reported, the clinical scenarios that prompt its use, and what operational stakeholders should expect in terms of site-of-service and service intensity. Data not available in the input is noted explicitly where applicable, and the piece focuses on national implications for coding, billing, and clinical alignment rather than state-specific policy details.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 50380 describes a surgical procedure in which a provider removes a kidney from its native anatomic location and reimplants it in a new site by anastomosing the renal vessels to iliac vessels. This procedure is a renal autotransplantation/renal reimplantation approach used when preservation of renal function requires relocation of the kidney.
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Service type: Major reconstructive vascular surgery of the kidney involving removal and reimplantation
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Typical site of service: Inpatient acute care hospital operating room or specialized surgical center for major vascular/urinary surgery
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 45-year-old patient with end-stage renal disease secondary to chronic glomerulonephritis presents for surgical autotransplantation of the kidney (renal autotransplant) after complex renovascular injury and refractory loin pain. The patient previously underwent partial nephrectomy and now has vascular and ureteral damage requiring relocation of the kidney. Preoperative evaluation includes renal function testing, cross-sectional vascular imaging (CT or MR angiography), hematology and blood type screening, and anesthesia assessment. In the operating room under general anesthesia, the surgical team performs nephrectomy in the native anatomic position, prepares the renal artery and vein, and reimplants the kidney into the iliac fossa by anastomosing the renal vessels to the external or internal iliac vessels and reimplanting the ureter into the bladder. Postoperative workflow includes vascular and urine output monitoring, imaging to assess perfusion, immunology if transplant-related considerations apply, pain control, and coordination with nephrology for ongoing renal function management and follow-up.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | Default - no modifier | Use when no specific modifier applies to the service. |
11 |