Urology Coding Alert
Frequently Asked Questions:
Check Your Urinary Diversion Knowledge With These FAQs
Remember to append modifier 50 where necessary to avoid a denial. There are instances wh... Read more
Check Your Urinary Diversion Knowledge With These FAQs
Remember to append modifier 50 where necessary to avoid a denial. There are instances wh... Read more
CPT®:
Decipher the Symbols in Your CPT® Code Book for Easier Code Selection
These notations can help coders better master each code's guidelines and descriptors. Ev... Read more
Decipher the Symbols in Your CPT® Code Book for Easier Code Selection
These notations can help coders better master each code's guidelines and descriptors. Ev... Read more
Practice Management:
Study These Strategies for Setting Up a Solid CDI Process
Understand the benefits of regular self-audits. Comprehensive clinical documentation is... Read more
Study These Strategies for Setting Up a Solid CDI Process
Understand the benefits of regular self-audits. Comprehensive clinical documentation is... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Decide How to Code This Piggyback Stone Fragmentation
Question: My urologist performed a percutaneous stone removal, with the access being ... Read more
Decide How to Code This Piggyback Stone Fragmentation
Question: My urologist performed a percutaneous stone removal, with the access being ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Lean on E/M Documentation for Services not Actually Performed
Question: Can we count a provider's efforts to counsel a patient against a test as ev... Read more
Lean on E/M Documentation for Services not Actually Performed
Question: Can we count a provider's efforts to counsel a patient against a test as ev... Read more
Reader Questions:
Dive Into This Bladder Tumor Scar Scenario
Question: The patient is here for a follow-up transurethral resection of a bladder t... Read more
Dive Into This Bladder Tumor Scar Scenario
Question: The patient is here for a follow-up transurethral resection of a bladder t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish NCD From LCD
Question: What's the difference between a national coverage determination (NCD) and ... Read more
Distinguish NCD From LCD
Question: What's the difference between a national coverage determination (NCD) and ... Read more
CPT® Code Corner:
Realize These Seminal Vesicle Procedural Differences
Understand the differences between codes 55600 and 55650. When your urologist carries out... Read more
Realize These Seminal Vesicle Procedural Differences
Understand the differences between codes 55600 and 55650. When your urologist carries out... Read more
E/M Coding:
Ask These 5 Questions, Accurately Calculate MDM Complexity Element
Hints: “Acute” may not be new, and “chronic” may not be specified by time. Assign... Read more
Ask These 5 Questions, Accurately Calculate MDM Complexity Element
Hints: “Acute” may not be new, and “chronic” may not be specified by time. Assign... Read more
Artificial Intelligence:
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System — Part 2
Will the price point deter future adopters? Last month, Urology Coding Alert examined s... Read more
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System — Part 2
Will the price point deter future adopters? Last month, Urology Coding Alert examined s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Correctly Code This DVIU Case
Question: The patient underwent a radical prostatectomy, and the previous op note sta... Read more
Correctly Code This DVIU Case
Question: The patient underwent a radical prostatectomy, and the previous op note sta... Read more
Reader Questions:
Familiarize Yourself With Free Sample Best Practices
Question: The doctors in our practice often provide our patients with complimentary s... Read more
Familiarize Yourself With Free Sample Best Practices
Question: The doctors in our practice often provide our patients with complimentary s... Read more
Reader Questions:
Heed This Insight on Documentation Requests for CERT Reviews
Question: Our practice is currently in the middle of a Comprehensive Error Rate Testi... Read more
Heed This Insight on Documentation Requests for CERT Reviews
Question: Our practice is currently in the middle of a Comprehensive Error Rate Testi... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Find the Solution to This Fournier Gangrene Scenario
Question: The patient was diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene wounds. Following the si... Read more
Find the Solution to This Fournier Gangrene Scenario
Question: The patient was diagnosed with Fournier's gangrene wounds. Following the si... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Test Your Knowledge of Adrenalectomy Coding
Focusing on the type of procedure is a great place to start. It's essential to thoroughly... Read more
Test Your Knowledge of Adrenalectomy Coding
Focusing on the type of procedure is a great place to start. It's essential to thoroughly... Read more
Artificial Intelligence:
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 1
Can NLP decipher language differences between doctors? Choosing the right artificial int... Read more
Ask These Questions When Searching for an AI Coding System – Part 1
Can NLP decipher language differences between doctors? Choosing the right artificial int... Read more
Telehealth:
Keep Up With These Changes to Post-PHE Telehealth
And get ready for telehealth codes to change again in 2025. During her HEALTHCON 2024 pr... Read more
Keep Up With These Changes to Post-PHE Telehealth
And get ready for telehealth codes to change again in 2025. During her HEALTHCON 2024 pr... Read more
Reader Questions:
See How to Code This Cystourethroscopy
Question: My urologist performed a cysto, bladder biopsy, fulguration, hydrodistensi... Read more
See How to Code This Cystourethroscopy
Question: My urologist performed a cysto, bladder biopsy, fulguration, hydrodistensi... Read more
Reader Questions:
Beware of Damaging Disclaimers
Question: One of the physicians at our practice uses dictation software, and the vend... Read more
Beware of Damaging Disclaimers
Question: One of the physicians at our practice uses dictation software, and the vend... Read more
Reader Questions:
Distinguish Medical Identity Theft From Other Types of Fraud
Question: Is medical identity theft a type of fraudulent claim? Minnesota Subscribe... Read more
Distinguish Medical Identity Theft From Other Types of Fraud
Question: Is medical identity theft a type of fraudulent claim? Minnesota Subscribe... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Know How to Report Button Removal for Undescended Testes
Question: My provider performed two button removals (surgical suture anchor to hold t... Read more
Know How to Report Button Removal for Undescended Testes
Question: My provider performed two button removals (surgical suture anchor to hold t... Read more
Tips and Tricks:
Follow These Tips for Successful Testosterone and Estradiol Pellet Coding
Hint: Remember to add your supply codes. When your urologist carries out the in-office in... Read more
Follow These Tips for Successful Testosterone and Estradiol Pellet Coding
Hint: Remember to add your supply codes. When your urologist carries out the in-office in... Read more
HEALTHCON 2024:
Fight for Your Right to Appeal and Win
Insurance companies aren't advocating for your office; that's your job. During her HEALTH... Read more
Fight for Your Right to Appeal and Win
Insurance companies aren't advocating for your office; that's your job. During her HEALTH... Read more
Practice Management:
Consider These Tips to Monitor Employee Productivity
Hint: Look at workers' records over a defined period of time. Practice managers know that... Read more
Consider These Tips to Monitor Employee Productivity
Hint: Look at workers' records over a defined period of time. Practice managers know that... Read more
Reader Questions:
Correctly Code This Continued Vasectomy Procedure
Question: The urologist performed an in-office vasectomy procedure on a patient. The... Read more
Correctly Code This Continued Vasectomy Procedure
Question: The urologist performed an in-office vasectomy procedure on a patient. The... Read more
Reader Questions:
Define Stable Condition
Question: Is there any difference between a chronic condition and a stable condition,... Read more
Define Stable Condition
Question: Is there any difference between a chronic condition and a stable condition,... Read more
Reader Questions:
Always Remain HIPAA Compliant
Question: One of the physicians in my practice demands we use a sign-in sheet — the... Read more
Always Remain HIPAA Compliant
Question: One of the physicians in my practice demands we use a sign-in sheet — the... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Location Is Key for Correctly Coding UTIs
Question: Our urologist diagnosed a patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI) but... Read more
Location Is Key for Correctly Coding UTIs
Question: Our urologist diagnosed a patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI) but... Read more
Frequently Asked Questions:
Know the Flow of Urodynamic Test Coding
Know the Flow of Urodynamic Test Coding Dodge claim errors by spotting the differences be... Read more
Know the Flow of Urodynamic Test Coding
Know the Flow of Urodynamic Test Coding Dodge claim errors by spotting the differences be... Read more
Healthcon 2024:
Avoid Denials Related to Gender and Sexual Orientation
Capturing patient gender identity information correctly is key. During the Healthcon 2024... Read more
Avoid Denials Related to Gender and Sexual Orientation
Capturing patient gender identity information correctly is key. During the Healthcon 2024... Read more
Practice Management:
Set Your Remote Staff Up for Success With 3 Tips
Empower your team by connecting with them. Remote work arrangements became the norm duri... Read more
Set Your Remote Staff Up for Success With 3 Tips
Empower your team by connecting with them. Remote work arrangements became the norm duri... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code This Colpocleisis Procedure
Question: What codes should I report for Le Fort colpocleisis with high perineorrhaphy and... Read more
Code This Colpocleisis Procedure
Question: What codes should I report for Le Fort colpocleisis with high perineorrhaphy and... Read more
Reader Questions:
End the Confusion on This Endopyelotomy Case
Question: Which code should I report for ureteroscopic endopyelotomy to treat a urete... Read more
End the Confusion on This Endopyelotomy Case
Question: Which code should I report for ureteroscopic endopyelotomy to treat a urete... Read more
Reader Questions:
Maintain Your Understanding of MUEs
Question: Could you please clarify what “MUE” means and explain how it impacts my... Read more
Maintain Your Understanding of MUEs
Question: Could you please clarify what “MUE” means and explain how it impacts my... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Figure Out This Follow-Up Catheter Removal
Question: The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Policy Manual, Chapte... Read more
Figure Out This Follow-Up Catheter Removal
Question: The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) Policy Manual, Chapte... Read more
Ask an Expert:
Learn How To Apply +G2211 in Your Urology Office
Gain some clarity on this useful code. If you're a typical urology coder, you may find th... Read more
Learn How To Apply +G2211 in Your Urology Office
Gain some clarity on this useful code. If you're a typical urology coder, you may find th... Read more
Transurethral Coding Review:
Top Up Your Transurethral Treatment Coding Skills With These Scenarios
Paying attention to what is included and excluded is key. Many transurethral procedures a... Read more
Top Up Your Transurethral Treatment Coding Skills With These Scenarios
Paying attention to what is included and excluded is key. Many transurethral procedures a... Read more
Payers:
Acknowledge the Need for Strong Relationships With Payers
Getting glimpses of the payer experience is a good first step. Though healthcare provide... Read more
Acknowledge the Need for Strong Relationships With Payers
Getting glimpses of the payer experience is a good first step. Though healthcare provide... Read more
Reader Questions:
Be Cautious When Adding Urinalysis Code to E/M
Question: For all lab tests performed in the office, our nurse researches the history, col... Read more
Be Cautious When Adding Urinalysis Code to E/M
Question: For all lab tests performed in the office, our nurse researches the history, col... Read more
Reader Questions:
Learn How to Report This Litholapaxy Procedure
Question: The patient was brought back to operating room and underwent general intravenous... Read more
Learn How to Report This Litholapaxy Procedure
Question: The patient was brought back to operating room and underwent general intravenous... Read more
Reader Questions:
Strengthen Your Signs and Symptoms Coding
Question: When is it appropriate to code the signs and symptoms when a patient comes in fo... Read more
Strengthen Your Signs and Symptoms Coding
Question: When is it appropriate to code the signs and symptoms when a patient comes in fo... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Don’t Get Hung Up on This Spermatic Cord Code
Question: An adult patient presented for left inguinal hernia repair. The patient was take... Read more
Don’t Get Hung Up on This Spermatic Cord Code
Question: An adult patient presented for left inguinal hernia repair. The patient was take... Read more
Ask an Expert:
Renew Your Knowledge of Hypospadias Repair Procedures
Location is everything when performing a hypospadias repair. The process of reporting hyp... Read more
Renew Your Knowledge of Hypospadias Repair Procedures
Location is everything when performing a hypospadias repair. The process of reporting hyp... Read more
Practice Makes Perfect:
Review These Stent Placement Scenarios to Sharpen Your Skills
Don't simply go with the flow when it comes to stents. Stent placement procedures are com... Read more
Review These Stent Placement Scenarios to Sharpen Your Skills
Don't simply go with the flow when it comes to stents. Stent placement procedures are com... Read more
E/M Coding:
Look to These 5 Tips to Improve Your Inpatient Coding
Keep up with changes in hospital E/M codes. Over the past year, you have been employing ... Read more
Look to These 5 Tips to Improve Your Inpatient Coding
Keep up with changes in hospital E/M codes. Over the past year, you have been employing ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Cut Through the Fog of Calculating Anesthesia Time
Question: Can you explain how to calculate and report anesthesia charges? When you k... Read more
Cut Through the Fog of Calculating Anesthesia Time
Question: Can you explain how to calculate and report anesthesia charges? When you k... Read more
Reader Questions:
Solve This Circumcision Scenario
Question: The urologist performed a surgical removal of the skin bridges located at t... Read more
Solve This Circumcision Scenario
Question: The urologist performed a surgical removal of the skin bridges located at t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Probe This Ultrasound Problem
Question: The patient had an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The urologist... Read more
Probe This Ultrasound Problem
Question: The patient had an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The urologist... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Launch Into These Laparoscopic Nephrectomy Codes
Question: The urologist positioned the patient prone, sterilized and draped the site,... Read more
Launch Into These Laparoscopic Nephrectomy Codes
Question: The urologist positioned the patient prone, sterilized and draped the site,... Read more
Ask an Expert:
Polish Up Coding For PCNL Procedures
Check out this scenario to stay in the game. If you're like most urology coders, some pro... Read more
Polish Up Coding For PCNL Procedures
Check out this scenario to stay in the game. If you're like most urology coders, some pro... Read more
Coding Quiz:
Determine Your Level of Flank Drainage Knowledge
Modifier 57 will come in handy when coding these procedures. When your urologist carries... Read more
Determine Your Level of Flank Drainage Knowledge
Modifier 57 will come in handy when coding these procedures. When your urologist carries... Read more
Compliance:
Maintain Telehealth Compliance in Your Post-PHE Practice
Vendors under contract are also obligated to adhere to HIPAA rules. Telehealth services h... Read more
Maintain Telehealth Compliance in Your Post-PHE Practice
Vendors under contract are also obligated to adhere to HIPAA rules. Telehealth services h... Read more
Reader Questions:
Take the Ache Out of This Orchiopexy Procedure
Question: Is it appropriate to use CPT® code 54640 for a case of retractile te... Read more
Take the Ache Out of This Orchiopexy Procedure
Question: Is it appropriate to use CPT® code 54640 for a case of retractile te... Read more
Reader Questions:
Resolve This SP Tube Polyp Procedure
Question: After prepping and draping the patient in standard manner and administerin... Read more
Resolve This SP Tube Polyp Procedure
Question: After prepping and draping the patient in standard manner and administerin... Read more
Reader Questions:
Grasp the 5 Levels of Appealing Medicare Denials
Question: I filed a claim for a Medicare Part B patient with my Medicare Administrati... Read more
Grasp the 5 Levels of Appealing Medicare Denials
Question: I filed a claim for a Medicare Part B patient with my Medicare Administrati... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Cut the Confusion From This Bladder Tumor Removal Case
Question: My urologist carried out a cystoscopy and transurethral resection of bladde... Read more
Cut the Confusion From This Bladder Tumor Removal Case
Question: My urologist carried out a cystoscopy and transurethral resection of bladde... Read more
Case Study:
Navigate This Urology and Gynecology Crossover Procedure
Avoid confusion by focusing on the code descriptors. Navigating the specialty of urology... Read more
Navigate This Urology and Gynecology Crossover Procedure
Avoid confusion by focusing on the code descriptors. Navigating the specialty of urology... Read more
Medicare Tips:
Sharpen Your Medicare Signature Knowledge
Resolving your questionable signatures prior to claim submission is key. In your urology... Read more
Sharpen Your Medicare Signature Knowledge
Resolving your questionable signatures prior to claim submission is key. In your urology... Read more
Billing:
Waiving Copays May Do More Harm Than Good
An act of generosity could lead to major ramifications. Healthcare professionals, by the... Read more
Waiving Copays May Do More Harm Than Good
An act of generosity could lead to major ramifications. Healthcare professionals, by the... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use Pathologist’s Diagnosis for Calcified Carcinoma
Question: The surgeon performed a cystoscopic bladder biopsy and noted in the operati... Read more
Use Pathologist’s Diagnosis for Calcified Carcinoma
Question: The surgeon performed a cystoscopic bladder biopsy and noted in the operati... Read more
Reader Questions:
Heed Medicare Redetermination Timelines
Question: We're nearing the 120-day limit for submitting a redetermination request t... Read more
Heed Medicare Redetermination Timelines
Question: We're nearing the 120-day limit for submitting a redetermination request t... Read more
Reader Questions:
Make Sure of Medicare Payments With a Taxonomy Code
Question: I just found out that CMS has a taxonomy of providers. What does this mean... Read more
Make Sure of Medicare Payments With a Taxonomy Code
Question: I just found out that CMS has a taxonomy of providers. What does this mean... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Solve This Steinstrasse Stone Removal Scenario
Question: The urologist performed a semi-rigid ureteroscopy to extract a stone from t... Read more
Solve This Steinstrasse Stone Removal Scenario
Question: The urologist performed a semi-rigid ureteroscopy to extract a stone from t... Read more
News You Can Use:
See How the 2024 MPFS Will Affect Your Bottom Line
CMS follows through on its previous proposals. In July 2023, the Centers for Medicare &am... Read more
See How the 2024 MPFS Will Affect Your Bottom Line
CMS follows through on its previous proposals. In July 2023, the Centers for Medicare &am... Read more
Coding Tips:
Trust These 6 Tips for Successful Vasectomy Coding
Cut through the confusion with these coding hints. Urologists frequently perform vasecto... Read more
Trust These 6 Tips for Successful Vasectomy Coding
Cut through the confusion with these coding hints. Urologists frequently perform vasecto... Read more
Practice Management:
Ready Your Practice to Care for Trans Patients and Employees
Embracing and supporting trans people in your practice is key. Having the knowledge and s... Read more
Ready Your Practice to Care for Trans Patients and Employees
Embracing and supporting trans people in your practice is key. Having the knowledge and s... Read more
Reader Question:
Ensure Accuracy With Concurrent Ureteroneocystostomy Services
Question: How should I code an extravesical ureteroneocystostomy the urologist perfor... Read more
Ensure Accuracy With Concurrent Ureteroneocystostomy Services
Question: How should I code an extravesical ureteroneocystostomy the urologist perfor... Read more
Reader Question:
Place Importance on Place of Service
Question: Can a physician report the following CPT® codes: 52352, 52353, 52356, and ... Read more
Place Importance on Place of Service
Question: Can a physician report the following CPT® codes: 52352, 52353, 52356, and ... Read more
Reader Question:
Safeguard Your Practice’s Electronic Signatures
Question: In our recent risk evaluation, we discovered that the electronic signature... Read more
Safeguard Your Practice’s Electronic Signatures
Question: In our recent risk evaluation, we discovered that the electronic signature... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Simplify This Stent Placement Procedure
Question: Our doctor conducted a cystoscopy, a right retrograde pyelogram, and a righ... Read more
Simplify This Stent Placement Procedure
Question: Our doctor conducted a cystoscopy, a right retrograde pyelogram, and a righ... Read more
Urology:
Employ Tried-and-True Methods to Convert This Endoscopy Report Into Coder-Speak
Trust your knowledge of anatomy so nothing gets lost in translation. Interpreting and acc... Read more
Employ Tried-and-True Methods to Convert This Endoscopy Report Into Coder-Speak
Trust your knowledge of anatomy so nothing gets lost in translation. Interpreting and acc... Read more
Urology:
Brush Up on Your Coding of This Bladder Instillation
Question: My urologist successfully inserted a 16-French foley catheter into the pati... Read more
Brush Up on Your Coding of This Bladder Instillation
Question: My urologist successfully inserted a 16-French foley catheter into the pati... Read more
Urology:
Look For New CPT® Codes in 2025
Question: Could you please inform me of any upcoming changes or updates to the CPT® codes... Read more
Look For New CPT® Codes in 2025
Question: Could you please inform me of any upcoming changes or updates to the CPT® codes... Read more