Summary & Overview
CPT 58800: Transvaginal Drainage of Ovarian Cyst(s)
CPT code 58800 denotes transvaginal drainage of one or more ovarian cysts, a gynecologic surgical procedure performed to aspirate or decompress cystic lesions of the ovary. Nationally, this code is relevant for obstetrics and gynecology practices, ambulatory surgical centers, and hospitals managing benign ovarian cysts or related presentations where minimally invasive drainage is indicated. The code matters for clinical documentation, appropriate site-of-service selection, and billing consistency across payers.
Key payers covered in this overview include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise explanation of the procedure and its typical care settings, benchmarks for utilization and reimbursement where available, and a summary of common billing considerations tied to the clinical context. The publication also summarizes policy or coverage themes that affect payment and authorization practices nationally.
This piece is designed to help clinicians, coding specialists, and revenue cycle staff understand the clinical intent of 58800, the typical settings where the service is delivered, and the payer landscape that influences claim processing and coverage decisions. Data not available in the input is clearly noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 58800 describes a procedure in which the provider drains one or more ovarian cysts from one or both ovaries using a vaginal approach. This procedure is a gynecologic intervention for removal of cystic fluid or decompression of ovarian cysts.
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Service type: Surgical gynecologic procedure (transvaginal ovarian cyst drainage)
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Typical site of service: Ambulatory surgical center or hospital operating room via a vaginal approach
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 32-year-old woman presents to the gynecology clinic with acute unilateral lower abdominal pain and ultrasound evidence of a 5–8 cm simple ovarian cyst causing persistent pain and possible torsion. After evaluation in clinic and review of imaging, the gynecologic surgeon schedules a transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration. The patient receives preoperative consent, receives prophylactic antibiotics per local protocol, and undergoes conscious sedation or monitored anesthesia care as appropriate. In the procedure suite or ambulatory surgery center, the provider uses a transvaginal approach with sonographic guidance to drain one or more cysts from one or both ovaries. The specimen may be sent for cytology if indicated. Vital signs are monitored post-procedure and the patient is discharged with instructions for activity, wound/care surveillance, and follow-up imaging to confirm resolution or identify recurrence. Typical documentation includes indication (pain, symptomatic cyst, suspected hemorrhagic cyst), procedural details (vaginal approach, laterality, number of cysts drained, volume aspirated, imaging guidance used), anesthesia type, any complications, and specimen handling.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
11 | Provider is the decision-maker and performed the procedure | Use when the reporting surgeon performed the procedure and is the primary surgeon. |