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    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesIncision Procedures on the PenisCPT cpt-54000-newborn-foreskin-incision-phimosis
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    CPT 54000: Newborn Circumcision, Prepuce Slit

    Medicare pays $173 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 54000 describes a newborn male circumcision procedure in which the provider cuts or slits the prepuce (foreskin) to relieve phimosis or prevent retraction issues; this is a minor surgical procedure performed on neonates and is typically categorized as a surgical service provided in an outpatient setting such as a newborn nursery or ambulatory surgical center.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Abortion Services, Prolonged Services for Labor Management, Prolonged Services for Labor Management.

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A typical patient is a newborn male in the well-baby nursery or neonatal unit presenting with a tight or non-retractile foreskin (physiologic phimosis) shortly after birth. The obstetrician, pediatrician, or family practitioner evaluates the infant, documents informed consent from the parent(s), and determines that a simple dorsal slit (frenulotomy/ preputial slit) is indicated to relieve constriction and prevent paraphimosis or urinary obstruction. In the clinical workflow: the infant is placed on a warming table, the genital area is cleansed using antiseptic solution, and local anesthesia (topical or injectable) is provided as appropriate. The provider performs the procedure described by 54000 (preputial slit), achieves hemostasis with direct pressure or minimal cautery if needed, applies sterile dressing, and provides post-procedure care instructions to the parents including wound care and signs of infection. Documentation includes indication, consent, anesthesia type, procedure details, any complications, and follow-up plan. Typical site of service is the newborn nursery, labor and delivery unit, ambulatory surgical center, or outpatient pediatric clinic depending on facility practices and newborn status. Service type: minor surgical procedure (neonatal outpatient/inpatient minor surgery).

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    54150Circumcision, using clamp or device; neonatalAlternative definitive procedure performed electively or when full circumcision is indicated instead of a simple preputial slit.
    54160Circumcision, surgical excision other than clamp or device; neonateSurgical circumcision technique that may follow or replace a preputial slit if complete removal of foreskin is performed.
    99024Postoperative follow-up visit, typical global periodUsed for routine postoperative follow-up visits related to the procedure during the global period.
    99201Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient, straightforward (Codes vary by year; use appropriate E/M code)May be used if an unrelated E/M visit is reported on the same day as the procedure by a different clinician or per payer rules.
    51702Insertion of temporary urinary catheter; newbornUsed if urinary catheterization is required for evaluation or management related to urinary obstruction prior to or after the procedure.
    11042Debridement; skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscleIncluded as an example of a minor procedure code for wound-related management if significant tissue debridement is necessary after complications (rare).

    Related Modifiers

    7 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    26Modifier 26 (Professional Component) identifies and bills only the professional portion of a split service — the physician’s interpretation, report, and medical judgment — when the technical…- Use CPT Modifier -26 when you are billing only the professional component (PC) of a split‑bill eligible service—i.e., you performed the physician interpretation, medical judgment and prepared a…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    207Q00000X
    208000000X
    207L00000X
    208M00000X
    111NT0100X
    364SP0813X
    2081P0010X
    1835P0018X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    21 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    N47.0Adherent prepuce, newborn
    N47.1Phimosis
    N47.2Paraphimosis
    N47.3Deficient foreskin
    N47.4Benign cyst of prepuce
    P92.5Neonatal difficulty in feeding at breast
    P96.9Condition originating in the perinatal period, unspecified
    Q54.0Hypospadias, balanic
    Q54.1Hypospadias, penile
    Q54.2Hypospadias, penoscrotal

    Showing 1–10 of 21

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Obstetrics/Gynecology1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Abortion ServicesNew Mexico Health Care Authority2027-01-01
    Prolonged Services for Labor ManagementPremera Bluecross2027-01-01
    Prolonged Services for Labor ManagementPremera Bluecross2027-01-01
    Obstetrical Home Care ProgramsAmbetter Georgia2026-11-01
    Maternal Serum Testing for Prediction of Adverse Obstetric OutcomesPremera Bluecross2026-10-01
    Maternal Serum Testing for Prediction of Adverse Obstetric OutcomesPremera Bluecross2026-10-01
    Maternal Serum Testing for Prediction of Adverse Obstetric OutcomesBlue Cross Blue Shield - Massachusetts2026-10-01
    Cervical Cancer ScreeningOscar Health2026-10-01
    Prenatal Testing for Fetal AneuploidyOscar Health2026-10-01
    Diagnosis of VaginitisOscar Health2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-54001-PREPUTIAL-SLIT-OR-DORSAL-SLIT-PHIMOSIS-PROCEDURE

    CPT 54001: Preputial Slit (Foreskin Release) for Phimosis

    CPT-54015-PENILE-ABSCESS-INCISION-DRAINAGE

    CPT 54015: Incision and Drainage of Deep Penile Abscess

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 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. 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. 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.
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