Urology Coding Alert
Focus Your Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation Coding
Question: We performed a robotic assisted laparoscopic distal left ureterectomy, psoas hitch with bladder, and left ureteroneocystostomy with stent placement. I think 50948 and 50650 are the correct codes, but I think I can only bill 50948 and cannot unbundle 50650. Is that correct?
Oregon Subscriber
Answer: You are correct. For this clinical scenario, report 50948 (Laparoscopy surgical; ureteroneocystostomy without cystoscopy and ureteral stent placement) for the laparoscopic reimplantation of the ureter into the bladder.
This CPT® code includes the laparoscopic psoas hitch, excision of the lower ureter, and the intraoperative stent placement. Therefore, you cannot separately report 50650 (Ureterectomy, with bladder cuff [separate procedure]).
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