CPT 55150 Scrotal Excision Reimbursement

CPT code 55150 designates surgical excision of a damaged or diseased scrotum, a genitourinary procedure performed for tissue compromised by trauma, infection, or other pathological conditions. Nationally, the code represents definitive operative management when nonoperative care is insufficient or when tissue removal is required to control infection or remove necrotic tissue. Use of this code affects surgical case mix, hospital operating room utilization, and post-operative care pathways.

Key payers considered include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication provides clinically focused context for coding and billing, outlines typical sites of service (hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgical centers), and summarizes common modifier usage provided in input. Readers will find benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement trends where available, discussion of relevant policy or coverage considerations, and clinical notes that clarify when this surgical code applies versus conservative management. Data limitations in the input are noted where applicable; where specific payer policies or diagnosis mappings are not available, the text states that those items are not present in the source input. This material is intended for a national audience of coding specialists, surgical providers, and billing analysts seeking a concise reference on CPT code 55150.

Billing Code Overview

CPT code 55150 describes the surgical excision of a damaged or diseased scrotum, the pouch that contains the testes, performed when tissue is compromised by trauma, infection, or other conditions. This procedure involves removal of affected scrotal tissue and may include reconstruction as clinically indicated.

Service type: Surgical procedure, genitourinary surgery
Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center

Data not available in the input for associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, and related codes.

Clinical Context

A 58-year-old male presents to the emergency department after a motorcycle crash with degloving and devitalized scrotal tissue and a contaminated laceration involving both hemiscrota. The patient has persistent bleeding and signs of local infection despite initial bedside care. The urology team evaluates the patient, documents the extent of scrotal tissue necrosis and contamination, and determines that scrotal excision is required to remove nonviable tissue and control infection. The patient is consented for scrotal debridement/excision under general anesthesia in the operating room. Perioperative steps include preoperative antibiotics, photographic documentation, intraoperative removal of diseased scrotal tissue with hemostasis, possible placement of drains, and planning for staged reconstruction or skin grafting by urology or plastic surgery as appropriate. Postoperative care includes wound care, pain control, monitoring for infection, and outpatient follow-up for reconstruction planning.

Coding Specifications

Modifier	Description	When to Use
`50`	Bilateral procedure	Use when bilateral scrotal excision is performed and neither side is reported with separate unilateral codes.
`51`	Multiple procedures

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
2080S0102X	Urology	Urologists commonly perform scrotal surgeries including `55150`.
208E00000X	General Surgery	General surgeons in trauma centers may perform scrotal excision for traumatic or infectious indications.
207P00000X	Plastic Surgery	Plastic and reconstructive surgeons participate in staged reconstruction after scrotal excision.

Related Diagnoses

ICD-10 Code	Description	Clinical Relevance
`N49.2`	Abscess of scrotum and spermatic cord	Scrotal abscess with necrosis may require excision of diseased scrotal tissue.
`N49.3`	Fournier gangrene	Necrotizing infection of the perineum and scrotum often mandates aggressive scrotal excision and debridement.
`S31.2XXA`	Open wound of scrotum and perineum, initial encounter	Traumatic open wounds with devitalized tissue may require excision of the scrotum.
`L08.9`	Local infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue, unspecified	Severe localized infection causing tissue necrosis can be an indication for excision.
`T79.A1XA`	Traumatic amputation of external genitalia, initial encounter	Severe traumatic loss or devitalization of scrotal tissue may lead to formal excision.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`11042`	Debridement, subcutaneous tissue (includes epidermis and dermis), first 20 sq cm or less	May be used for progressive debridement of infected scrotal tissues prior to or instead of formal excision when limited to soft tissue layers.
`15271`	Full-thickness skin graft, trunk, arms, legs; 10 sq cm or less, first or additional	Used during staged reconstruction for coverage after scrotal excision when grafting is required.
`54300`	Orchiectomy, simple (e.g., for tumor, atrophy)	May be performed concurrently or subsequently if testes are nonviable or infected.
`11043`	Debridement, muscle and/or fascia, first 20 sq cm or less	Used when debridement extends into deeper soft tissues in Fournier gangrene or severe trauma prior to or with scrotal excision.
`13160`	Secondary closure of wound, scrotum; complicated or extensive	Used for delayed or complex wound closure after scrotal excision.

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Summary & Overview

CPT 55150: Excision of Damaged or Diseased Scrotum