Question: A patient underwent laser vaporization of a portion of the prostate (52648) by an out-of-state surgeon. Three years later, a urologist at our hospital later completed a traditional TURP (52601) of a different larger section of prostate. Would 52601 or 52630 be more appropriate?
Remember, if your urologist does the TURP in the global of an initial laser prostatectomy, add modifier 78 (Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period) to the 52601 for a repeat TURP in the global of an initial TURP. This would be treatment of a complication within the global period. Outside of a global, no modifier is needed.
You would only use 52630 (Transurethral resection; residual or regrowth of obstructive prostate tissue including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, and internal urethrotomy are included]) when a formal TURP is performed/repeated after an initial TURP.
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Answer: You should use 52601 (Transurethral electrosurgical resection of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, and internal urethrotomy are included]) because your urologist performed a formal initial TURP, and not a repeat laser.
There are no codes for a repeat laser vaporization of the prostate. If performed, you would use 52648 (Laser vaporization of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, internal urethrotomy and transurethral resection of prostate are included if performed]) for a repeat laser prostatectomy.