Urology Coding Alert

Question: I know that an orchiopexy is for an undescended testicle; however, I have also found where an orchiopexy is used for torsion of a testicle. How do I differentiate between the orchiopexy and torsion codes when both can be used for torsion?

Hawaii Subscriber

Answer: You should use code 54640 (Orchiopexy, inguinal approach, with or without hernia repair) for an orchiopexy for an undescended testicle.

Alternative: For an orchiopexy for a testicular torsion, you should instead use code 54600 (Reduction of torsion of testis, surgical, with or without fixation of contralateral testis) or 54620 (Fixation of contralateral testis [separate procedure]).