Advanced Search

Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Don't Forget 50 for Bilateral JJ Stents

Published on Mon Sep 19, 2011

Question: The doctor's slip states: "cysto, bilateral ureteroscopy, bilateral stents, biopsy and laser ablation of left renal lesion and laser ablation of right ureteral lesion." How would I report these procedures for a Medicare patient?Alabama SubscriberAnswer: For this scenario you should report the following:52354 (Cystourethroscopy, with ureteroscopy and/or pyeloscopy; with biopsy and/or fulguration of ureteral or renal pelvic lesion) for the biopsy and ablation of the lesions. Append modifier-50 (Bilateral procedure) since your urologist performed the same procedure on both sides but for different lesion locations -- one in the renal pelvis and one in the opposite ureter.189.1 (Malignant neoplasm of renal pelvis) and 189.2 (Malignant neoplasm of ureter) as the diagnosis codes with 52354-50.52332-50 (Cystourethroscopy, with insertion of indwelling ureteral stent [e.g., Gibbons or double-J type]; bilateral procedure) for the bilateral JJ stent placements.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Urology Coding Alert

View All