Summary & Overview
CPT 57280: Abdominal Vaginal Vault Suspension, Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery
CPT code 57280 represents an abdominal vaginal vault suspension procedure in which the provider elevates a prolapsed vaginal vault and secures it to a strong anatomic support using sutures through an abdominal incision. This pelvic reconstructive surgery addresses symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and is an important code for hospitals and surgical centers managing complex gynecologic repairs. Nationally, utilization of pelvic reconstructive procedures has implications for surgical capacity, postoperative care needs, and payer coverage policies.
Key payers covered in this publication include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for the procedure, the typical sites of service where it is performed, and the kinds of payer considerations that influence authorization and coverage practices. The report outlines common billing modifiers and service-line context where available, and summarizes how this code fits within pelvic reconstructive service lines.
The publication provides benchmarks and policy-relevant observations to inform coding accuracy, claims submission, and revenue cycle workflows. Data not available in the input is clearly noted where applicable. The content is intended for coding professionals, revenue cycle managers, and clinical leaders seeking a national-level overview of CPT code 57280 and its operational implications.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 57280 describes an abdominal approach to vaginal vault suspension. The provider elevates the prolapsed vaginal vault and secures it to a robust supporting structure using sutures, performing the repair through an abdominal incision.
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Service type: Pelvic reconstructive surgery (vaginal vault suspension via abdominal approach)
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Typical site of service: Inpatient or outpatient hospital surgical suite or ambulatory surgery center, performed through an abdominal incision
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a postmenopausal woman with symptomatic vaginal vault prolapse following prior hysterectomy. She reports a sensation of pelvic pressure, bulge at the vaginal introitus, urinary difficulty and discomfort with activity. Conservative measures such as pessary use and pelvic floor physical therapy have been attempted without relief or are unsuitable. After evaluation by a gynecologic surgeon, including pelvic exam and optional imaging (e.g., pelvic ultrasound or MRI for complex anatomy), the patient is scheduled for an abdominal sacrocolpopexy under general anesthesia. In the operating room the surgeon reduces the prolapsed vaginal vault, attaches it to a strong pelvic structure (commonly the sacral promontory) using sutures and/or mesh via an abdominal incision, and confirms apical support and vaginal axis restoration. Postoperative care includes pain control, monitoring for bleeding or infection, activity restrictions, and follow-up visits to assess healing and pelvic support.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work or complexity substantially exceeds typical for 57280 (e.g., extensive adhesiolysis, prolonged operative time) and documentation supports additional work. |