Advanced Search

Urology Coding Alert

Method of Access Is Key in Determining Codes for Flank Drainage
Coding for open, laparoscopic or percutaneous drainage of the flank requires a distinc... Read more
CPT Assistant Clarifies Modifier Use for Stents, Stones
CPT Assistant clarified several coding questions for urologists this fall includi... Read more
Follow Local Policy for Transrectal Ultrasound
Transrectal ultrasound for prostatic evaluation has two codes depending on whether the u... Read more
Anthrax Coding Report Free on Web
Physicians and other healthcare professionals who provide services to any patients with ac... Read more
Case Study:
Coding When Definitions Overlap
When a urologist performs multiple procedures at a surgical encounter, proper coding ... Read more
Reader Question:
Laparoscopic Nephrectomy
Question: How should I code a bilateral hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy? The pati... Read more
Reader Question:
Pre-Existing Problem
Question: When a patient is admitted to the hospital for a non-urology problem (fractured ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Fee for Stent Insertions
Test your coding knowledge.  Determine how you would code this situation before loo... Read more
New CPT Prosthesis, Excision Codes Highlight Changes for 2002
CPT 2002 makes new codes available that will improve reimbursement for urologists. ... Read more
ICD-9 Codes for 2002 Affect Billing of Prostate Disorders
Urologists can now code prostate problems with greater specificity because of new ICD-9 ... Read more
CCI Bundles Foreign-Body Removal into Cystoscopy
The stent coding dilemma has been resolved with CCI  version 7.3, effective Oct. 1,... Read more
Coding Diagnostic Tests Issue Has Been Resolved
The ongoing controversy over whether to use signs and symptoms or the test result to... Read more
News Brief:
CMS Requires Carriers To Cover Sacral Nerve Stimulation
As of January, urologists will be able to bill Medicare for sacral nerve stimulation for... Read more
Reader Question:
Prostate Cultures
Question: When the urologists in our office perform prostate cultures, how should we code?... Read more
Reader Question:
Retrieval Through Nephrostomy Tube
Question: Our physician performed a basket retrieval through an already existing nephros... Read more
Reader Question:
BPH With Hyperplasia
Question: What diagnosis code should we use for BPH with two areas of atypical hyperplasia... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Prostate Cryosurgery
Test your coding knowledge.  Determine how you would code this situation before ... Read more
Impotence:
Payment Differs for Workups
When a patient complains of erectile dysfunction, the urologist must choose a diagnosi... Read more
Hernias With Other Procedures
Reviewed on May 27, 2015   Hernias complicate coding for treatmen... Read more
Cystoscopy Procedures When There Is No Bladder
When a patient's bladder has been removed and there is either a loop of intestine (ileal... Read more
Reader Question:
Modifier -79
Question: When can I bill modifier -79 with an office visit?New York Subscriber  Answ... Read more
Reader Question:
Performing a Cystoscopy
Question: When we perform a cystoscopy with bilateral ureteral catheterization, must we de... Read more
Reader Question:
Stamey Suture Excision
Question: How should we code the excision of a Stamey suture? The stitch was put in many y... Read more
Reader Question:
retroperitoneal exploration
Question: How should we code for a retroperitoneal exploration and debridement for a stone... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Perineal Mass
Test your coding knowledge.  Determine how you would code this situation before looki... Read more
Code by Type of Stone Removal To Ensure Correct Payment
When a patient has more than one stone in one kidney (multiple stones), or stones in both ... Read more
Code Post-Op Complications Based on Payer and Site of Service
Receiving reimbursement for treating postoperative complications within the global perio... Read more
News Brief:
HHS Scraps Draft E/M Guidelines
Testifying before the House Ways and Means Committee on July 19, 2001, Tommy Thompson, sec... Read more
Reader Question:
Hydrodilation Versus Irrigation/Instillation
Question: What is the difference between hydrodilation and irrigation or instillation? Are... Read more
Reader Question:
Reader Question:
Question: Sometimes a stone is in the ureter, and the urologist performs a lithotripsy to ... Read more
Reader Question:
Stent and Ureteroscopy Codes
Question: Can we always bill for a ureteral stent when performing ureteroscopic stone pro... Read more
Reader Question:
HDR Coding
Question: Our group has been performing brachytherapy, and we're interested in expanding ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Male Sling Operation
Test your coding knowledge.  Determine how you would code this situation before l... Read more
Break Down Brachytherapy into Steps for Proper Coding and Fair Payment
Because urologists often work with radiation oncologists to perform brachyth... Read more
Use Correct Modifier for Second Surgery Within Global Period
When a urologist brings a patient back to the operating room (OR) within the global peri... Read more
Get Paid for Stent Placement and Removal in Same Session
When a urologist changes a ureteral stent, the question is whether he or she should b... Read more
Correction:
Use 74455 for VCUG
  In the article "When To Bill an Office Visit With Catheterizat... Read more
News Brief:
CCI 7.2 Leaves Ureteroscopy Codes Free of Stent Bundles
When the ureteral stricture and ureteroscopy codes were changed to 52341-523... Read more
Reader Question:
Retrograde Ejaculation
Question: What is the correct diagnosis code for retrograde ejaculation? Montana Subs... Read more
Reader Question:
Tumor Smaller Than 0.5
Question: When the pathology report says a tumor is smaller than 0.5 centimeters and the d... Read more
Reader Question:
Bundling 52310 and 52351
Question: One of our insurance companies includes CPT 52310 (cystourethroscopy, with re... Read more
Reader Question:
UroLume Stent
Question: What is the correct way to bill for a UroLume stent?Connecticut Subscriber ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Measurement of Post-Voiding Residual Urine
Test your coding knowledge.  Determine how you would code this situation before look... Read more
Modifiers -62 and -80 Enhance Payment for Cystoprostatectomy With Three Surgeons
A radical cystoprostatectomy with ileocolic urinary diversion, a common urology Proc... Read more
Optimize Reimbursement:
Know When to Use Modifier -50 on Cystourethroscopies
Urology coders should distinguish between CPT and Medicare guidelines when appending m... Read more
Diagnosis Code Drives Payment for Circumcisions
Reviewed on May 27, 2015   Adult or adolescent circumcision is common, but... Read more
News Brief:
Carriers Make Own Bundling Edits for Ureteroscopy Codes
New ureteroscopy codes were introduced in 2001, but in the most recent Correct Coding... Read more
Clarification:
You Can Use 52640 for Treating Bladder Neck Contraction
In an article on treating bladder neck contracture by incision in the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Vasectomy
Question: When billing a vasectomy to Medicare and then Medicaid, how should we file?New Y... Read more
Reader Question:
Cystourethroscopy and Stent
Question: Our claim check software makes 52332 (cystourethroscopy, with insertion of indwe... Read more
Reader Question:
Complex Renal Cyst
Question: Which diagnosis code should I use for complex renal cyst? Nothing in the ICD-9... Read more
Reader Question:
Suprapubic Catheter
Question: The patient had a suprapubic catheter. The doctor was called in for a consult, ... Read more
Reader Question:
Laparoscopic Burch Procedure
Question: How should we code for a laparoscopic Burch procedure, a laparoscopic enterocele... Read more
Reader Question:
Sling Operation
Question: When the doctor performs 57240 or 57288, can we bill for a cystoscopy too? The ... Read more
Reader Question:
Urgency
Question: When I see urgency in the chart, Im not sure which diagnosis code to use. Can I ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Cysto With Washings
Test your coding knowledge.  Determine how you would code this situation before loo... Read more
Watch Your Carrier Closely for Pelvic Floor Therapy Coverage
Now that Medicare allows coverage for the probe for pelvic floor therapy, and some carrier... Read more
Tailor Modifier Use for Payer With Stent/Stone Removal/Cysto
Stone-removal often includes a retrograde pyelogram (74420) to locate the stone, the rem... Read more
CPT, AUA Differ on Graft With Pubovaginal Sling and Cysto
When placing a pubovaginal sling for the treatment of female stress incontinence, modifier... Read more
When to Bill an Office Visit With Catheterization
Urologists may bill an E/M service in addition to a catheterization (53670*) if the former... Read more
Clarification:
Fourniers Gangrene
In response to a reader question, the March 2001 issue of Urology Coding Alert reported th... Read more
Reader Question:
Prostatic Urethra
Question: What is the correct code for a biopsy of the prostatic urethra?Oklahoma Subscrib... Read more
Reader Question:
Total Urethrectomy
Question: The patient underwent a radical cystectomy for bladder cancer, with an ileal con... Read more
Reader Question:
Two Physicians, One Patient
Question: Two physicians worked on the same case. One performed a right laparoscopic nephr... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Prostate Volume Study With Brachytherapy
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at... Read more
Get Paid for Bladder Neck Contracture Treated With an Incision
Urologists can be reimbursed for a bladder neck contracture treated by an incision method ... Read more
Know When to Use Modifiers -57 and -25 to Avoid Denials
When a urologist decides to perform surgery immediately after seeing a patient, he or sh... Read more
How to Handle an Incorrect Diagnosis Code on a Claim
If a coder enters an incorrect diagnosis code and the claim is rejected as a result, the... Read more
Avoid Medical Necessity Lists
In Medicare, the computer that reads your claims determines quickly whether a procedure ... Read more
New Ureteroscopic Codes Not Bundled in CCI Version 7.1
In CCI version 7.1 the new 2001 codes for ureteroscopic procedures (52341-52355) have no... Read more
Reader Question:
Pubovaginal Sling
Question: What is the best code for a takedown of a pubovaginal sling? We were using the u... Read more
Reader Question:
Lupron
Question: Under what circumstances can we be paid in full for Lupron? Delaware Subscriber ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Routine Exams
Question: How should I code a Medicare patient who has no symptoms and comes in to see a u... Read more
The Key to PSA Test Reimbursement is the Diagnosis Code
When a urologist performs a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test in the presence of sign... Read more
Code Catheterization Correctly to Avoid Denials
Urology coders get confused about coding for catheterization because there are four possi... Read more
How to Bill TURBT with Retrograde Pyelogram
Per the CCI edits, urologists cannot bill CPT 52005 (cystourethroscopy, with ureteral cat... Read more
Use the Unlisted Procedure Code for the NeoControl Chair
The NeoControl Pelvic Floor Therapy System, a new therapy for stress and urge incontinence... Read more
Reader Question:
Stent Placement
Question: How can we get paid for placing a stent (52332) during the postoperative period ... Read more
Reader Question:
C-arm Fluoroscopy
Question: Can we get more payment from C-arm fluoroscopy?New Jersey Subscriber Answer: Whe... Read more
Reader Question:
Surgical Tray Charge
Question: Can I charge for a surgical tray (HCPCS A4550) to private payers when administer... Read more
Reader Question:
Uroflow Studies
Question: What is the difference between complex and simple uroflow studies?Georgia Subscr... Read more
Reader Question:
Bladder Scan
Question: What is the correct code for a bladder scan? Should we bill for the professional... Read more
Reader Question:
Cystourethroscopy and Urodynamics Testing
Question: If my physician performs a cystoureth-roscopy, and then does urodynamics testing... Read more
Reader Question:
Global Surgical Fee
Question: What does the global surgical fee entail? For example, when we bill a surgery, h... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Counseling
Question: Some of our patients require a lot of time with the physician before deciding ho... Read more
Use Correct Modifiers to Receive Full Payment For Laparoscopy to Open Conversions
Urology coders are often confused about how to code when a laparoscopic procedure switch... Read more
How to Code to Get Paid for Tumor Removal and Bladder Biopsy
The urologist often does a biopsy of a small lesion in the bladder and a tumor removal a... Read more
Urologists Can Bill 52005 and 52332 Together
According to the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI), 52005 (cystourethroscopy, with uretera... Read more
Reader Question:
BTA Test
Question: How should we bill for the bladder tumor antigen (BTA) stat test?South Carolina ... Read more
Reader Question:
Office Visit and Instillation
Question: Can we bill for an office visit when we do an instillation?Texas Subscriber Answ... Read more
Reader Question:
Bilateral 52005
Question: Can we bill 52005 bilaterally in the office setting? The physician does the same... Read more
Reader Question:
Fluoroscopy
Question: Can we bill for 76000 in conjunction with 52005? I know 76000 is designated a ... Read more
Reader Question:
Fourniers Gangrene
Question: How should we code an exploration of scrotum, perineum and inguinal areas with i... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Sling Operation
Question: Can I bill 57288, 51845 and 57240 together? If so how?Wisconsin SubscriberTest y... Read more
Reimbursement Tactics for Hand-assisted Laparoscopies
Hand-assisted laparoscopy (HAL) is a relatively new method for doing many urological surg... Read more
Get Paid with Correct Code for Transvaginal Urethrolysis
Many urologists have trouble finding the proper code for transvaginal urethrolysis because... Read more
Receive Payment for Biofeedback After Failed PME
Urologists can now be reimbursed by Medicare for biofeedback for stress or urge incontinen... Read more
HCFA Temporarily Suspends Part of CCI 6.3
HCFA temporarily suspended many of the edits in Version 6.3 of the national Correct Codi... Read more
News Brief:
Codes 50080-50081 No Longer Have Bundled Component Codes
The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) Version 7.0 has removed some bundled component codes f... Read more
Fight for Payment for Three Prostate Biopsy Codes
Many urologists are incompletely reimbursed for prostate biopsies due to payer bundling. C... Read more
Reader Question:
Incident to
Question: How do we bill under incident to if the patients physician is not in the office ... Read more
Reader Question:
Urothelial Cancer
Question: In patients with positive urine cytology for urothelial cancer, we frequently ne... Read more
Reader Question:
X-ray Interpretation
Question: When I do a cystoscopy and a retrograde pyelogram at the hospital, who bills fo... Read more
Reader Question:
Looposcopy
Question: What is the correct CPT code for an looposcopy? Colorado Subscriber Answ... Read more
Reader Question:
BCG
Question: If a physician assistant (PA) instills a Bacille bili de Calmette-Gurin (BCG) an... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Transurethral Biopsy
Question: When a doctor performs a transurethral biopsy of a bladder tumor and a prostatic... Read more
Avoid Denials:
Distinguish Between New Patient or Consultation Codes With Initial Vasectomy Visit
When a primary care physician (PCP) sends a patient to the urologist because the patient... Read more
Receive Proper Reimbursement for Emergency Room Visits
When a urologist visits the emergency department (ED), coders are faced with a wide variet... Read more
News Alert:
HCFA Rejects Modifier -60
Modifier -60, a new surgical modifier in CPT 2001, will not be recognized by HCFA. The a... Read more
News Brief:
New Code Provides More Accurate Billing for PSA Test
The test isnt new, but the code is: 84152 (prostate specific antigen; complexed). This is ... Read more
Clarification:
Code 52338 Is Not for Bladder Biopsies
In the November 2000 Urology Coding Alert, two reader questions recommended using 52338 (... Read more
Reader Question:
Anemia
Question: What diagnosis code should be used for anemia in end stage renal disease (ESRD),... Read more
Reader Question:
Penile Doppler Study
Question: How can we get paid for penile Doppler studies?New York Subscriber Answer: In t... Read more
Reader Question:
Stent
Question: How can we bill for a stent placed three days after an extracorporeal shock wave... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Urinary Tract Infection
Question: When a patient is seen for urinary tract infection (UTI) followup (urinalysis)... Read more
Available Years:  2001  2000  1999