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Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Differentiate Vasectomy V Codes

Published on Wed Aug 13, 2003

Question: Which diagnosis code should I report for a prevasectomy exam? Should I link the same diagnosis code to the vasectomy as to the preoperative evaluation?

Michigan Subscriber
 
Answer: For proper diagnosis coding, you should use two separate diagnosis codes for a prevasectomy exam and the actual vasectomy procedure. Link V25.09 (Encounter for contraceptive management; general counseling and advice; other) to the prevasectomy examination code, and link V25.2 (... sterilization) to the vasectomy code (55250, Vasectomy, unilateral or bilateral [separate procedure], including postoperative semen examination[s]).
 
Double-check with your carrier as to which V code it requires for payment for the vasectomy, because carriers' coding guidelines will vary. Many carriers will only accept V25.2, and, therefore, you must use this ICD-9 code for the preoperative evaluation as well as the vasectomy.
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