Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: Should I use 51741 or 51795 for a void study?

Montana Subscriber

Answer: Urodynamic testing consists of a series of tests, all of which involve voiding to some extent. 

For example, 51741 (Complex uroflowmetry [e.g., calibrated electronic equipment), or uroflowmetry, measures the amount of urine that flows from the bladder per second. This procedure tests for bladder obstruction. The patient drinks about four cups of liquid about four hours before the start of the test so the bladder will be full. Then the ob-gyn asks the patient to urinate into a funnel connected to the electronic uroflowmeter, which records data about the urine flow on a flow chart. 

However, an ob-gyn performs 51795 (Voiding pressure studies [VP]; bladder voiding pressure, any technique), or bladder voiding pressure studies, by inserting a transducer into the bladder and then infusing fluid. When the patient voids, the ob-gyn can measure urine flow rate and bladder pressure.

If neither of the above describes what the patient had done, try going to 
www.universityobgyn.com/urodynam.htm to find a really good description of each test in the urodynamic section.