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CPT 55869: Laparoscopic Retropubic Radical Prostatectomy with Bilateral Pelvic Lymphadenectomy
CPT code 55869 represents a laparoscopic retropubic radical prostatectomy performed with nerve-sparing technique and a complete bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Nationally, this code is central to surgical management of clinically localized prostate cancer when minimally invasive and nerve-preserving approaches are used and when pelvic nodal evaluation is performed. Accurate coding affects hospital and surgeon billing, surgical quality measurement, and aggregated utilization analyses for urologic oncology services.
Key payers addressed in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, and the implications for payer coverage and claims processing. The publication reviews benchmarks and utilization patterns, notes relevant policy updates that influence prior authorization and coverage of minimally invasive prostatectomy with lymphadenectomy, and summarizes coding considerations that affect reimbursement and quality reporting.
Intended readers will learn how CPT code 55869 is used in documentation and billing, the procedural elements that justify use of this code, and the payer perspectives that commonly shape authorization and payment decisions at a national level. Data not available in the input will be identified as such where applicable.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 55869 describes a laparoscopic retropubic radical prostatectomy with nerve-sparing technique combined with a complete bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The procedure involves removal of the prostate gland using minimally invasive laparoscopic approaches, may include robotic assistance, and incorporates techniques intended to preserve neurovascular bundles to reduce postoperative sexual and urinary dysfunction.
Service type: Surgical — Minimally invasive urologic oncology procedure with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection
Typical site of service: Hospital inpatient or ambulatory surgery center