A 42-year-old male is diagnosed with a left renal mass.

1. Procedure and CPT® Code Selection:

The patient underwent a partial nephrectomy (removal of part of the left kidney) via a laparoscopic approach.

CPT® Code 50543 is specifically used for a laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, which is an accurate description of this procedure.

2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:

Code 50548 is used for a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, which involves the complete removal of the kidney and surrounding structures; therefore, it does not apply to this partial nephrectomy.

Code 50220 represents an open partial nephrectomy, not a laparoscopic approach, and is therefore incorrect for this procedure.

Code 50546 is for a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy with bilateral removal of kidneys, which is not applicable in this case where only a partial removal of the left kidney was performed.

3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:

AAPC and CPT® guidelines indicate that the use of 50543 is appropriate for any laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, regardless of the laterality, and it specifically identifies laparoscopic technique over open surgery.

Therefore, based on CPT® guidelines, the correct answer is C. 50543.