CPT Code 58700 Salpingectomy (Complete or Partial)

When a patient presents with conditions like ectopic pregnancy, chronic infection, or hydrosalpinx, a salpingectomy, the surgical removal of one or both fallopian tubes, may be performed.

The CPT 58700 code captures this procedure when performed via open abdominal approach, either as a complete or partial excision, unilateral or bilateral.

This guide breaks down what this code includes, when to use it, and how to document it correctly for smooth reimbursement and compliance.

Understanding CPT 58700

Official Definition:

“Salpingectomy, complete or partial, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure).”

This code refers to the open surgical removal of the fallopian tube(s). The term “separate procedure” means that it’s only reported when not performed as part of another major operation (for example, a hysterectomy or oophorectomy).

Key Details:

• Approach: Open abdominal (laparotomy).
• Extent: Partial or complete removal of the tube(s).
• Laterality: Unilateral or bilateral, report once per operative session.
• Intent: Therapeutic, not sterilization (sterilization-specific codes differ).

Note: For laparoscopic salpingectomy, report CPT 58661 instead.

Clinical Applications

The salpingectomy procedure may be necessary in various clinical contexts, such as:

• Ectopic pregnancy (if the fallopian tube is damaged or ruptured).
• Hydrosalpinx is associated with infertility.
• Recurrent pelvic infections or abscesses.
• Prophylactic removal to reduce ovarian cancer risk (especially in BRCA-positive patients).

In fertility or oncology care, documentation should clearly state whether the salpingectomy was therapeutic, prophylactic, or incidental, as it impacts medical necessity and coding accuracy.

Procedure Overview

In an open salpingectomy, the surgeon makes a lower abdominal incision to access the pelvic cavity. The affected tube is identified, isolated, and removed, either entirely or partially.

Hemostasis is achieved, and surrounding tissues are inspected before closing.

If both tubes are removed, it is still coded once under CPT 58700, as the descriptor includes unilateral or bilateral removal.

When to Report CPT 58700

Use CPT 58700 when the physician performs a salpingectomy:

• As a standalone surgery to treat a tubal condition.
• Through an open abdominal approach (not laparoscopic).
• When not performed as part of another major pelvic operation.

Do not report 58700 when:

• Performed during hysterectomy or oophorectomy (considered bundled).
• Conducted laparoscopically (use 58661).
• Done solely for sterilization (use 58600 or 58605).

Documentation Essentials

Strong operative documentation ensures clean claims and reduces audit risk. Include the following details:

• Diagnosis and indication: e.g., ruptured ectopic pregnancy, hydrosalpinx.
• Procedure description: partial or complete excision, unilateral or bilateral.
• Approach: confirm that it was open, not laparoscopic.
• Findings and pathology submission: document tissue sent for review.
• Extent of resection: specify both tubes if bilateral removal is performed.

Coding Tip: If a diagnostic laparotomy led to salpingectomy, both may be reported if the laparotomy was not solely for exposure and is properly documented.

Reimbursement and Coding Guidelines

Global Period: 90 days

Typical Setting: Hospital or inpatient surgical suite

Average National Medicare Reimbursement (Physician Fee, Facility): $700–$900

Hospital Payment Range: $1,800–$2,500

Common ICD-10 Codes Supporting CPT 58700

Choosing the right ICD-10 code is critical to showing medical necessity and clinical justification. Below are the ICD codes most often paired with 58700, categorized for clarity and accuracy.

For Infectious or Inflammatory Conditions:

• N70.11 – Acute salpingitis and oophoritis, right side
• N70.12 – Acute salpingitis and oophoritis, left side
• N70.13 – Acute salpingitis and oophoritis, bilateral
• N70.91 – Salpingitis and oophoritis, unspecified

For Structural or Obstructive Disorders:

• N70.11 – Hydrosalpinx, right side
• N70.12 – Hydrosalpinx, left side
• N70.13 – Hydrosalpinx, bilateral

For Pregnancy-Related Indications:

• O00.1 – Tubal pregnancy
• O00.10 – Unspecified tubal pregnancy
• O00.11 – Right tubal pregnancy
• O00.12 – Left tubal pregnancy
• O00.13 – Bilateral tubal pregnancy

For Prophylactic Removal:

• Z40.02 – Encounter for prophylactic removal of fallopian tube(s)
• Z15.01 – Genetic susceptibility to malignant neoplasm of the ovary (for BRCA-positive prophylactic cases)

For Post-Operative or History Documentation:

• Z90.79 – Acquired absence of other genital organ(s)
• Z98.89 – Other specified postprocedural states
• Documentation Tip: When the salpingectomy is performed prophylactically (for cancer prevention), ensure both Z40.02 and Z15.01 are linked, as payers often require genetic or familial risk justification for reimbursement.

Common Coding Challenges and How to Prevent Them

While CPT 58700 may seem simple, it’s one of those codes where context and documentation determine whether the claim gets paid, denied, or bundled. Here are some of the most frequent pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Confusion Between Open and Laparoscopic Approach

One of the most common errors is reporting 58700 when the procedure was actually laparoscopic (which should be 58661). Payers quickly flag this discrepancy since reimbursement differs significantly between open and minimally invasive procedures.

Solution: Always verify the operative approach. The note should clearly state “laparotomy incision made” or “open approach performed” to justify 58700.

Bundling with Other Pelvic Surgeries

Salpingectomy is often performed alongside hysterectomy or oophorectomy, where it is considered part of the primary procedure. Reporting it separately leads to bundled denial under NCCI edits.

Solution: Only report 58700 if it is performed as a standalone procedure, and documentation explicitly states that it was done independently for a separate pathology.

Unclear Surgical Intent (Therapeutic vs. Sterilization)

Coders sometimes use 58700 for sterilization-related cases, which is incorrect. This code is for therapeutic or prophylactic excision, not elective sterilization.

Solution: Review the indication in the preoperative diagnosis. If the intent is permanent contraception, use 58600 (open tubal ligation) or 58605 (tubal occlusion by device).

Missing Laterality and Extent of Removal

Operative reports occasionally omit whether the salpingectomy was unilateral or bilateral, confusing claim review.

Solution: Clearly document “complete bilateral salpingectomy” or “partial left salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy”; this supports coding, medical necessity, and reimbursement accuracy.

Incomplete Medical Necessity Support

Payors often require clinical evidence (e.g., imaging, operative findings) supporting the removal of the tube(s). Missing pathology confirmation or diagnostic rationale can trigger post-payment reviews.

Solution: Always attach or reference supporting documents such as pathology reports, ultrasound findings, or pre-op notes that justify medical necessity.

Example Scenarios

Scenario 1 – Bilateral Salpingectomy for Hydrosalpinx

A patient with chronic pelvic pain and hydrosalpinx undergoes open bilateral salpingectomy. Both tubes are removed completely, and pathology confirms chronic inflammation.

→ Bill CPT 58700.

Scenario 2 – Partial Salpingectomy for Ectopic Pregnancy

A ruptured ectopic pregnancy is treated via open partial removal of the affected tube with hemostasis achieved.

→ Bill CPT 58700.

Scenario 3 – Incidental Removal During Hysterectomy

A salpingectomy performed during a total abdominal hysterectomy is not separately reportable, as it’s included in the global procedure.

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