Summary & Overview
CPT 58542: Laparoscopic Subtotal (Supracervical) Hysterectomy
CPT code 58542 represents a laparoscopic subtotal (supracervical) hysterectomy with removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries while preserving the cervix for a uterus that is normal in size (≤250 g). Nationally, this code captures a common minimally invasive gynecologic procedure used for benign and select malignant indications where cervix preservation is chosen. Accurate use of the code is important for clinical reporting, surgical quality measurement, and payer reimbursement alignment.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise review of clinical context for the procedure, typical sites of service, common billing modifiers (listed separately), and payer coverage considerations. The publication outlines benchmarks and utilization patterns, coding guidance for differentiating subtotal versus total hysterectomy approaches, and relevant policy developments affecting coverage and documentation requirements.
This summary is intended for a national audience of clinicians, billing professionals, and policy analysts seeking a clear, actionable reference on coding and the clinical scope of CPT code 58542 and how it fits into surgical gynecology practice.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 58542 describes a laparoscopic subtotal (supracervical) hysterectomy in which the provider removes the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries while leaving the cervix intact. The procedure is specified for a normal-sized uterus (250 g or less).
Service type: Surgical — minimally invasive gynecologic surgery
Typical site of service: Hospital outpatient department or ambulatory surgery center, with potential performance in inpatient settings when clinically indicated.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old female with symptomatic uterine fibroids and heavy menstrual bleeding presents for elective total laparoscopic hysterectomy with conservation of the cervix (supracervical hysterectomy). Preoperative evaluation confirms a normal-sized uterus (≤250 g) and no active infection. The patient undergoes general endotracheal anesthesia in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room. The operative workflow includes induction of anesthesia, laparoscopic abdominal entry, mobilization and ligation of the utero-ovarian ligaments and adnexa, transection of the uterine corpus from the cervix, hemostasis, and laparoscopic removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Postoperative recovery occurs in the PACU with routine discharge planning for same-day or short inpatient stay depending on clinical status and payor requirements.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work or complexity substantially exceeds typical requirements for 58542 (extensive adhesiolysis, advanced pathology). |
23 | Unusual anesthesia |