ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Reader Question:

Bill for Foley With Physician Supervision

Question: At our facility, we charge for Foley catheterization if the emergency department physician places the catheter and sends the patient home. However, we don't code them because we include them in our charge for the evaluation and management service. Is this correct?

Pennsylvania Subscriber Answer: If the Foley catheter placement requires the physician's skill, and the physician documents personal placement of the catheter, you can separately bill for this service. You'll describe this procedure with one of three codes:

51701 - Insertion of non-indwelling bladder catheter

51702 - Insertion of temporary indwelling bladder catheter; simple

51703 - ... complicated.
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