CPT code 55845 represents a radical prostatectomy with removal of the prostate and surrounding tissues, including bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection of the external iliac, hypogastric, and obturator nodes. This procedure is a central component of definitive surgical management for clinically localized and some locally advanced prostate cancer and carries implications for surgical oncology capacity, perioperative care, and post-operative surveillance nationally. Coverage and payment policies for this code affect hospital and ambulatory surgery center workflows, resource allocation, and patient access to definitive therapy.

Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical service represented by the code, typical sites of service, commonly reported modifiers, and what to expect in payer review and billing practice. The publication summarizes benchmarks and policy-relevant points, clarifies clinical context for coding accuracy, and highlights areas where payers commonly apply medical necessity and documentation standards. Data not available in the input for payer-specific rates and utilization metrics is noted where applicable.