Basics of Vasectomy CPT code

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure used as a method of male contraception. During the procedure, the vas deferens—the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra—are cut, sealed, or otherwise blocked. This prevents sperm from mixing with semen that is ejaculated from the penis, effectively preventing pregnancy. It’s generally considered a permanent form of birth control, although reversals are sometimes possible. CPT code 55250 is used generally to report Vasectomy CPT code in medical coding.

Description of Vasectomy CPT code

In this exam, the physician grasps the upper scrotum near the inguinal area and holds the spermatic cord between the thumb and the index finger. The skin overlying the immobilized cord is injected with local anesthetic and an incision is made through the scrotal wall to expose the tubular structures. Another incision is made to expose the vas deferens (spermatic tube) and the tissues dissected to free it from the adjacent vessels and supporting tissues. The isolated vas deferens is cut in two places and the intervening section of tube is removed. The cut ends of the vas deferens are cauterized and tied with suture material. The incisions are closed in layers by suturing. The procedure is usually repeated on the opposite side.

55250 –  Vasectomy, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure), including postoperative semen examination(s)

This CPT 55250 has 90 days global period. The 90-day global period includes care on the day before, the day of, and 90 days after the operation. Medicare and other payers instruct appending modifier 57, Decision for Surgery, if an E/M visit results in the decision for surgery when that visit occurs on the day before or the day of an operation assigned with a global period of 90 days. Similarly, Medicare and other payers instruct that modifier 25, Significant, Separately Identifiable Evaluation and Management Service by the Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional on the Same Day of the Procedure or Other Service, may be appended to an E/M service performed on the same day as a procedure with a 0- or 10-day global period (ie, considered minor surgery by CMS), even if that E/M visit resulted in the decision for surgery. 

Related codes for Vasectomy CPT code

89321 Semen analysis, presence and/or mobility of sperm (if vasectomy performed elsewhere)
G0027 Semen analysis; presence and/or motility of sperm excluding Huhner (if performing in
clinic/office)

Z30.0 Encounter for general counseling and advice on contraception
Z30.8 Encounter for other contraceptive management (applicable to post-vasectomy sperm count)
Z30.09 Encounter for other general counseling and advice on contraception
Z30.2 Encounter for sterilization
Z30.40 Encounter for surveillance of contraceptives
Z98.52 Sterilization status (vasectomy)