Urology Coding Alert

The proposed updates for urology cover numerous common procedures. 

The official word on changes to CPT^® codes for 2017 won’t be announced by the AMA until November, but we have general information about the expected updates. Here’s a breakdown of urology-specific changes that could change how you report procedures next year.

Revisions Bring Subtle Changes to Stent Removals and Catheter Placements

Preliminary information includes almost 20 revisions to urology codes that you report for common procedures such as:

• Removal and replacement of ureteral stent
• Removal and replacement of nephroureteral catheter
• Injections for antegrade nephrostogram and/or ureterogram
• Nephrostomy catheter placement
• Conversion of nephrostomy catheter to nephroureteral catheter
• Percutaneous renal biopsy
• Renal tumor ablation
• Ureter or renal pelvis biopsy
• Percutaneous ureteral stent placement
• Ureteral embolization or occlusion
• Balloon dilation of a ureteral stricture.

The catch: Although the AMA information classifies these procedures as revised, the descriptors are the same as in the current edition of CPT^®. Experts say the revisions might apply to valuations and reimbursement rather than the codes themselves.

Good news: Unfortunately, the tentative schedule for the AMA’s CPT^® and RBRVS 2017 Symposium in November does not include a session designated for urology. That usually means that although you will see changes in the specialty’s coding, they aren’t widespread enough to merit special attention at this conference.

Watch for more details and information on the actual codes in Urology Coding Alert once AMA officially releases the changes.