Urology Coding Alert

• CPT Codes 2008 revises the code descriptor for +11008 so it now reads: Removal of prosthetic material or mesh, abdominal wall for infection (e.g., for chronic or recurrent mesh infection or necrotizing soft tissue infection) (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure). Because the descriptor now covers any prosthetic material infection type, urology coders may use this for mesh removal during hernia repairs. Because 11008 is an add-on code, and CPT indicates you should use it only with 10180 and 11004-11006, you may not be able to use it with all carriers for urology coding.

• January’s update deletes 52510 (Transurethral balloon dilation of the prostatic urethra). "This is really just a case of old technology," says Morgan Hause, CCS, CCS-P, privacy and compliance officer for Urology of Indiana LLC, a 31-urologist, two-urogynecologist practice in Indianapolis.

• If your practice is participating in the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI), you’ll also want to pay attention to the 2008 revisions in the code descriptors for 0509F (Urinary incontinence plan of care documented), 1090F (Presence or absence of urinary incontinence assessed) and 1091F (Urinary incontinence characterized [e.g., frequency, volume, timing, type of symptoms, how bothersome]).

Don’t forget: If your urologist performs urogynecology procedures, you have two new codes and one revised code to add to your code set in January. See "Get Specific With 2 New Urogynecology Codes" in Urology Coding Alert, Vol. 9, No. 12, for more on those codes.