Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Follow Documentation Details for Correct Cystotomy Code

Question: The urologist completed an intraoperative consult and then performed a cystotomy during the patient’s Cesarean section. What cystotomy code should we report?

Nebraska Subscriber

Answer: You have several cystotomy code choices, depending on your physician’s documentation. The options are: 

  • 51020 – Cystotomy or cystostomy; with fulguration and/or insertion of radioactive material
  • 51030 – … with cryosurgical destruction of intravesical lesion
  • 51040 – Cystostomy, cystotomy with drainage
  • 51045 – Cystotomy, with insertion of ureteral catheter or stent (separate procedure)
  • 51050 – Cystolithotomy, cystotomy with removal of calculus, without vesical neck resection
  • 51065 – Cystotomy, with calculus basket extraction and/or ultrasonic or electrohydraulic fragmentation of ureteral calculus.

Also: For the case you describe, 51040 is appropriate. Remember to use modifier 57 (Decision for surgery) with the consultation code to indicate that the consult and cystotomy were two separate services, and that the consultation exam led the urologist to perform the surgical procedure.  


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