CPT
50590 — Lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Surgery & procedures
57452 — Colposcopy of cervix including upper/adjacent vagina
This code covers a colposcopy — a procedure in which a physician uses a magnifying instrument to closely examine the cervix and adjacent vaginal tissue for signs of abnormal cells, often following an abnormal Pap smea...
- Typical setting: Hospital OR, urology clinic
- National avg charge (illustrative): $95-$200 Medicare allowed (approx. $100-$165 national Medicare average; commercial payers $140-$280)
- Most-disputed reason: Billing 57452 without biopsy codes when biopsies were taken: if cervical biopsies were obtained, code 57454 or 57455 should replace or supplement 57452 depending on what was performed
What it means
What 57452 actually means
This code covers a colposcopy — a procedure in which a physician uses a magnifying instrument to closely examine the cervix and adjacent vaginal tissue for signs of abnormal cells, often following an abnormal Pap smear or positive HPV test. If biopsies or other interventions are performed during the same session, additional codes are billed on top of 57452.
Common errors with this code
What goes wrong on real bills.
Most bills that look correct still contain at least one of these issues. Up to 49% of medical bills contain errors (CFPB).
- Billing 57452 without biopsy codes when biopsies were taken: if cervical biopsies were obtained, code 57454 or 57455 should replace or supplement 57452 depending on what was performed
- Endometrial biopsy unbundling: separately billing an endometrial biopsy (58100) performed during the same colposcopy session without adequate documentation of a separately distinct service
- Billing the wrong code for ECC: endocervical curettage (ECC) performed during colposcopy requires a specific code (57454 or 57456) — billing 57452 alone when ECC was done underbills the procedure
If you see 57452 on your bill
Three steps before paying.
1. Get the itemized bill. If your statement only shows a summary, request the CPT-level itemized bill before paying. Generate the request language →
2. Cross-check against the EOB. Compare what your insurer's Explanation of Benefits says you owe versus what the hospital is asking. They disagree more often than people think. Read the bill-vs-EOB guide →
3. Run a free Bill Scan. Upload the bill (and EOB if you have it) and BillBusted will flag the most likely issues with this specific code in your specific state. Run free scan →
Related codes
Other codes in this category.
People who land on 57452 often also see these adjacent codes on the same bill.
CPT
55250 — Vasectomy, unilateral or bilateral, including postoperative semen examination
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
58150 — Total abdominal hysterectomy , with/without tubes/ovaries
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
58571 — Laparoscopic total hysterectomy, uterus 250g or less, with/without tubes/ovaries
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
CPT
59400 — Routine obstetric care including antepartum care, vaginal delivery and postpartum care
Verify the code matches the actual service and dose.
Related BillBusted guides
Plain-English reads if you see 57452 on a bill.
57452 FAQ
Plain-English answers.
What does 57452 usually cost?
$95-$200 Medicare allowed (approx. $100-$165 national Medicare average; commercial payers $140-$280). Costs vary by region, payer contract, and whether the service was performed in a hospital outpatient department (which adds a facility fee) versus a free-standing clinic.
What's the most common billing error on 57452?
Billing 57452 without biopsy codes when biopsies were taken: if cervical biopsies were obtained, code 57454 or 57455 should replace or supplement 57452 depending on what was performed
What should I do if I see 57452 on my bill?
Request the itemized bill and the matching EOB from your insurer. Compare the units/quantity billed against what you actually received. Run a free BillBusted scan to flag the most likely errors specific to 57452 before paying.
Don't pay 57452 blindly.
The free scan tells you in under 60 seconds whether this charge looks reasonable for your situation.