Urology Coding Alert

Question: Which code should I report for a laparoscopic vasectomy? This was done at the same session with a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair. The urologist wants to use an unlisted-procedure code for the vasectomy. Is he right?

Wisconsin Subscriber

Answer: Yes. This coding dilemma almost always occurs when a general surgeon performs a laparoscopic hernia repair, and the patient asks the urologist to perform a vasectomy for sterilization at the same sitting. The urologist may choose to do this laparoscopically because the ports and instrumentation are already in place.

There is no CPT code for laparoscopic vasectomy, so you should use an unlisted-procedure code - specifically, 55559 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, spermatic cord).