Urology Coding Alert
52310 or 52315 May Not Be Correct for Migrated Stent Removal
Question: My doctor removed a ureteral stent that had migrated using a ureteroscopy (not cystourethroscopy) with basket removal. No stone was involved. Can I use 52352 even though no stone was involved? Nebraska Subscriber Answer: Based on the information you provide, codes 52310 (Cystourethroscopy, with removal of foreign body, calculus, or ureteral stent from urethra or bladder (separate procedure); simple) and 52315 (… complicated) are not the correct codes in this case scenario since they represent removing a stent from the bladder or urethra, not from the ureter. Report the ureteroscopy with CPT® code 52351 (Cystourethroscopy, with ureteroscopy and/or pyeloscopy; diagnostic). If the removal of the migrated stent from the ureter is technically difficult or leads to a significant increase in operative time, add modifier 22 (add descriptor) and document clearly the surgery performed and the reason for the increased operative time.
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