Summary & Overview
CPT 58120: Dilation and Curettage of Uterine Lining
CPT code 58120 denotes dilation of the cervix with scraping of the uterine lining (dilation and curettage) to control excessive uterine bleeding or to obtain a large endometrial tissue sample. This common gynecologic procedure has implications for acute bleeding management, diagnostic tissue sampling, and surgical workflow in outpatient and ambulatory surgical settings. Nationally, understanding coding, sites of service, and payer coverage is important for hospitals, surgical centers, and clinician practices that provide gynecologic care.
Key payers included in the coverage discussion are Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. The publication summarizes how CPT code 58120 is used clinically and in billing, highlights typical sites of service, and identifies common modifiers and administrative considerations. Readers will find benchmarks for utilization patterns, an overview of payer coverage themes, and clinical context about indications for the procedure. The content is intended to inform revenue cycle leaders, clinical managers, and policy analysts about the coding and operational aspects of performing and billing for dilation and curettage procedures at a national level.
Data not available in the input: associated taxonomies, ICD-10 diagnoses, related codes, and payer-specific reimbursement rates.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 58120 describes dilation of the cervix to access the uterine cavity for scraping the uterine lining. The procedure is performed to treat excessive uterine bleeding or to obtain a large sample of endometrial tissue.
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Service type: Operative gynecologic procedure involving cervical dilation and endometrial curettage
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Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgical center; may also occur in a physician's office equipped for minor gynecologic procedures
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a 42-year-old woman presenting to the gynecology clinic with heavy, prolonged menstrual bleeding refractory to medical management (e.g., combined oral contraceptives, tranexamic acid). After history, pelvic exam, and transvaginal ultrasound to exclude pregnancy, sizable endometrial sampling or therapeutic endometrial removal is indicated. The provider schedules an outpatient operative procedure for dilation and curettage. On the day of service the patient arrives to an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department, receives preoperative assessment and informed consent, and is placed under monitored anesthesia care or general anesthesia. The cervix is mechanically dilated to allow insertion of curettes and/or suction devices to scrape and obtain large tissue samples and to control bleeding. The specimen is sent to pathology when sampling is diagnostic; hemostasis is obtained, and the patient is recovered and discharged with postoperative instructions and follow-up.
Coding Specifications
- For this procedure, the most clinically relevant modifiers are listed with typical usage.
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
25 | Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure | Use when a distinct E/M visit resulted in decision for the D&C and the E/M is documented separately from the procedure note |