Summary & Overview
CPT 58670: Laparoscopic Tubal Ligation by Fulguration
CPT code 58670 represents laparoscopic tubal ligation by electrocautery (fulguration) of the fallopian tubes, with optional transection. As a common permanent sterilization procedure, it plays an important role in reproductive care and family planning services nationwide. Providers, payers, and health systems monitor utilization and coverage of this procedure because of its clinical implications, patient counseling needs, and impact on surgical service lines.
Key payers discussed include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Coverage policies and billing practices for 58670 vary by payer and influence where and how the procedure is delivered, as well as reimbursement and prior-authorization requirements.
Readers will gain a concise overview of the clinical service represented by the code, the typical setting for delivery, and the major payers that commonly cover the service. The publication also presents benchmarks and policy-relevant context including utilization patterns, coding considerations, and payer policy trends that affect access and billing for laparoscopic tubal ligation. Data not available in the input for specific utilization metrics, payer-specific rates, and associated ICD-10 diagnosis mappings are noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 58670 describes laparoscopic tubal ligation performed by fulguration (electrocautery) of each fallopian tube, with optional transection. This procedure is a form of permanent female sterilization intended to prevent pregnancy by occluding and possibly cutting the fallopian tubes.
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Service type: Surgical sterilization procedure (laparoscopic tubal ligation)
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room for laparoscopic gynecologic surgery
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a reproductive-age woman electing permanent sterilization who presents for laparoscopic bilateral tubal fulguration (cauterization). Common scenarios include a patient who requests sterilization postpartum or during a scheduled gynecologic surgery, or a patient who has completed childbearing and prefers a definitive contraceptive method. Preoperative workflow includes informed consent documented for sterilization, pregnancy test negative, preoperative evaluation (history, vitals, anesthesia assessment), and scheduling as an outpatient laparoscopic procedure under general anesthesia. In the operating room, the surgeon establishes pneumoperitoneum, inserts a laparoscope and accessory ports, visualizes the fallopian tubes, and performs electrocautery fulguration of each tube with or without transection. Intraoperative documentation includes indication for sterilization, method used (fulguration with electrocautery), laterality, extent (sealed only or sealed and transected), estimated blood loss, any complications, and implants or devices used. Typical site of service is an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department. Postoperative workflow includes recovery in PACU, brief observation, discharge instructions focusing on wound care and signs of infection, and documentation of specimen handling if any tissue removed. Common payors include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, BUCA, and Medicare.
Coding Specifications
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