CPT code 55862 denotes a surgical perineal approach to the prostate used to facilitate placement of radioactive material (brachytherapy) for malignant prostate cancer and includes sampling of regional lymph nodes with tissue sent for laboratory analysis. This procedure is a component of definitive local therapy for prostate malignancy and is relevant for surgical oncology, radiation oncology coordination, and pathology billing nationally.

Key payers in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context for the procedure, a description of typical sites of service (hospital OR or ambulatory surgical center), and an outline of common billing considerations tied to the service line. The publication highlights benchmarks and policy-relevant topics affecting authorization, bundling with radiation therapy services, and documentation needs for lymph node sampling and tissue submission. It also summarizes where to expect variation across payers and settings.

This summary provides a concise reference for revenue cycle managers, surgical and radiation oncology teams, and compliance staff seeking to understand how CPT code 55862 maps to clinical workflow, site-of-service patterns, and payer coverage considerations at a national level.