Overview
CPT 59840 is used for a surgical abortion procedure where the provider deliberately terminates a pregnancy by dilating the cervix and removing the fetus and products of conception using suction curettage. Typically performed in the first trimester, it requires specific skills and documentation to differentiate it from other obstetric procedures.
Purpose
This code ensures providers are appropriately reimbursed for elective or therapeutic abortions performed via suction D&C. It distinguishes this procedure from non-invasive treatments and protects revenue by accurately documenting clinical intent and gestational age.
Clinical Scenarios Where 59840 Applies
- Elective abortion during the first trimester, when a suction D&C is chosen over medical or expectant management.
- Termination for maternal health indications requiring removal of pregnancy products.
- Treatment of nonviable intrauterine pregnancy when gestational age is less than 14 weeks and surgical evacuation is preferred.
Procedure Overview for 59840
- Inclusions: Cervical dilation, suction curettage to remove the fetus and placenta via vaginal route
- Exclusions: Dilation and evacuation (use 59841 instead); missed or incomplete abortion procedures (use 59820 or 59812)
- Documentation Requirements: Gestational age, indication, cervical dilation method, instruments used, suction details, tissue removal confirmation
Billing and Reimbursement Tips for 59840
- Do not bill 59840 for missed or incomplete abortions; those require different codes.
- Provide diagnosis codes that match the clinical indication (e.g., elective abortion, maternal risk condition)
- Confirm that the gestational age at the time of service is less than 14 weeks, unless the payer allows a later date.
- Document the suction curettage method to differentiate it from dilation and evacuation (D&E).
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Related ICD-10-CM Codes
ICD-10-CM Codes
O01.0 - Classical hydatidiform mole
O02.9 - Abnormal product of conception, unspecified
O03.1 - Delayed or excessive hemorrhage following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.2 - Embolism following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.30 - Unspecified complication following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.31 - Shock following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.32 - Renal failure following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.33 - Metabolic disorder following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.34 - Damage to pelvic organs following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.35 - Other venous complications following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.36 - Cardiac arrest following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.37 - Sepsis following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.38 - Urinary tract infection following incomplete spontaneous abortion
O03.39 - Incomplete spontaneous abortion with other complications
O03.4 - Incomplete spontaneous abortion without complication
O03.84 - Damage to pelvic organs following complete or unspecified spontaneous abortion
O03.85 - Other venous complications following complete or unspecified spontaneous abortion
O03.86 - Cardiac arrest following complete or unspecified spontaneous abortion
O03.87 - Sepsis following complete or unspecified spontaneous abortion
O03.88 - Urinary tract infection following complete or unspecified spontaneous abortion
O03.89 - Complete or unspecified spontaneous abortion with other complications
O08.9 - Unspecified complication following an ectopic and molar pregnancy
O30.131 - Triplet pregnancy, trichorionic/triamniotic, first trimester
O30.132 - Triplet pregnancy, trichorionic/triamniotic, second trimester
O30.133 - Triplet pregnancy, trichorionic/triamniotic, third trimester
O30.139 - Triplet pregnancy, trichorionic/triamniotic, unspecified trimester
O35.3XX1 - Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from viral disease in mother, fetus 1
O35.3XX2 - Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from viral disease in mother, fetus 2
O35.3XX3 - Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from viral disease in mother, fetus 3
O35.3XX4 - Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from viral disease in mother, fetus 4
O35.3XX5 - Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from viral disease in mother, fetus 5
O35.3XX9 - Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from viral disease in mother, other fetus
O35.4XX0 - Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus from alcohol, not applicable or unspecified
O35.5XX0 - Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus by drugs, not applicable or unspecified
O35.6XX0 - Maternal care for (suspected) damage to fetus by radiation, not applicable or unspecified
O35.8XX0 - Maternal care for other (suspected) fetal abnormality and damage, not applicable or unspecified
O35.9XX0 - Maternal care for (suspected) fetal abnormality and damage, unspecified, not applicable or unspecified
O36.4XX0 - Maternal care for intrauterine death, not applicable or unspecified
O36.4XX1 - Maternal care for intrauterine death, fetus 1
O36.4XX2 - Maternal care for intrauterine death, fetus 2
O36.4XX3 - Maternal care for intrauterine death, fetus 3
O36.4XX4 - Maternal care for intrauterine death, fetus 4
O36.4XX5 - Maternal care for intrauterine death, fetus 5
O36.4XX9 - Maternal care for intrauterine death, other fetus
Q07.00 - Arnold-Chiari syndrome without spina bifida or hydrocephalus
Q07.01 - Arnold-Chiari syndrome with spina bifida
Q07.02 - Arnold-Chiari syndrome with hydrocephalus
Q07.03 - Arnold-Chiari syndrome with spina bifida and hydrocephalus
Q07.8 - Other specified congenital malformations of nervous system
Q07.9 - Congenital malformation of nervous system, unspecified
Q89.7 - Multiple congenital malformations, not elsewhere classified
Q89.8 - Other specified congenital malformations
Z33.2 - Encounter for elective termination of pregnancy
Z62.813 - Personal history of forced labor or sexual exploitation in childhood
Z64.0 - Problems related to unwanted pregnancy
Z91.42 - Personal history of forced labor or sexual exploitation
Related CPT Codes
CPT Codes
59410 - Vaginal Delivery with Postpartum Care
59400 - Routine Obstetric Care. Vaginal Delivery, Antepartum and Postpartum Care Procedures
59100 - Hysterotomy, Abdominal, for Unruptured Uterus (Not for Delivery)
59510 - Cesarean Delivery with Antepartum and Postpartum Care
59610 - Routine Obstetric Care, Vaginal Delivery After Previous Cesarean (VBAC)
59614 - Vaginal Delivery After Previous Cesarean Delivery with Postpartum Care