ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
Coude` This Be A Complex Catheter Placement?
Question: Is the routine placement of a plain Coudé catheter considered a simple (CPT 51702) or complex (CPT 51703) procedure? I feel it is a simple procedure - as no follower/filiform or other instrumentation are utilized, but, several hospital “nurses” feel it is complex.
Please help settle this dilemma for us.
New Jersey Subscriber
Answer: The use of filiform and followers actually has its own specific CPT® code 53620. The placement of a simple catheter would be coded with 51702 and complex, as you described, with 51703.
The next question is what is complex? The CPT® code describes a fractured catheter or altered anatomy such as BPH that might require a Coudé catheter. Using this code should probably represent a second attempt perhaps involving physician skill after the nurse fails at placing a simple catheter.
ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert
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