Urology Coding Alert
Look to 52317 for Laser Lithotripsy Option
Question: What is the correct procedure code for laser lithotripsy of an impacted 1.0 cm bulbar urethral stone? I’ve considered 52315 or 52317-52.
Wyoming Subscriber
Answer: The correct coding should be 52317 (Litholapaxy: crushing or fragmentation of calculus by any means in bladder and removal of fragments; simple or small [less than 2.5 cm]). Although the definition only states “in bladder,” this choice is appropriate as it is included and falls under the heading of “Transurethral surgery, urethra and bladder” in the CPT® Manual. Codes 52310 (Cystourethroscopy, with removal of foreign body, calculus, or ureteral stent from urethra or bladder [separate procedure]; simple) and 52315 (Cystourethroscopy, with removal of foreign body, calculus, or ureteral stent from urethra or bladder [separate procedure]; complicated), are not appropriate for this case because they do not include fragmentation of a stone.
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