ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

Question: In our ED, we use a supply charge for Foley catheters if they are placed in the ED and sent home. However, we don’t code them for the physicians because we include the Foley catheter placement in our E/M level charge. Is this correct?

Codify Subscriber

Answer: Foley catheter placement is separately billable if the documentation reflects the medical necessity for the physician placing the catheter and a procedure note. You could also appropriately report an E/M service, if the documentation supported that it was separately identifiable.  

You would typically report 51702 (Insertion of temporary indwelling bladder catheter; simple (eg, Foley) for insertion of an indwelling catheter to treat urinary retention or other conditions such as a neurogenic bladder.