Summary & Overview
CPT 59871: Removal of Cerclage Suture, Vaginal Approach
CPT code 59871 represents the surgical removal of a cervical cerclage suture placed to maintain cervical closure, typically performed vaginally under general anesthesia. This code is a focused gynecologic procedure relevant to obstetrics and gynecology practice and hospital perioperative services. Nationally, the code matters because it captures a discrete, time-sensitive service tied to pregnancy management and postoperative care pathways. Payers and facilities use the code to identify the service for claims adjudication, utilization tracking, and care coordination.
Key payers covered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise clinical context for when the procedure is performed, typical settings of care, and which payer policies commonly apply. The publication summarizes common modifier usage and payer considerations where available, outlines typical billing pathways for inpatient and outpatient procedure lines, and highlights areas where policy updates or documentation clarity can affect claims processing. This resource is intended for coding professionals, clinical billing staff, and policy analysts seeking a compact reference to CPT code 59871 and its role in gynecologic surgical billing and perioperative workflows.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 59871 describes the removal of a cerclage suture that was previously placed to hold the cervix closed. This procedure is typically performed via a vaginal approach with the patient under general anesthesia.
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Service type: Surgical procedure — cerclage suture removal
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Typical site of service: Inpatient or outpatient operating room / procedure suite (vaginal approach under general anesthesia)
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A typical patient is a pregnant woman previously diagnosed with cervical insufficiency who had a cervical cerclage placed during the second trimester to prevent preterm birth. At around 37 weeks' gestation, or earlier if labor, membrane rupture, infection, or other obstetric indications occur, the obstetrician-gynecologist performs removal of the cerclage suture. The service is usually performed in an operating room or procedure suite via a vaginal approach with the patient under regional or general anesthesia. The clinical workflow includes preoperative evaluation (maternal vital signs, fetal assessment), informed consent, positioning in lithotomy, vaginal exam to visualize the suture, removal of the suture material, inspection of the cervix for bleeding or laceration, and postoperative monitoring with discharge instructions and follow-up obstetric care. Typical documentation includes indication for removal, anesthesia type, approach (vaginal), findings, removal technique, estimated blood loss, and patient tolerance of the procedure.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 | No modifier submitted | General placeholder; not typically appended — use payer-specific policies |
11 | Office/Outpatient Visit |