Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Code 52234 Represents Thermal Destruction of a Small Bladder Tumor

Question: The surgeon performed thermal destruction of a small bladder tumor. What code do I file with?

Pennsylvania Subscriber

Answer: The correct code is 52234 (Cystourethroscopy, with fulguration [including cryosurgery or laser surgery] and/or resection of; SMALL bladder tumor[s] [0.5 up to 2.0 cm]), provided the tumor was 0.5 to 2 cm in size. This applies to tumors of that size that are destroyed or resected through laser (or thermal) means.

If the tumor is larger, code 52235 (... MEDIUM bladder tumor[s] [2.0 to 5.0 cm]) or 52240 (... LARGE bladder tumor[s] [larger than 5 cm.]).