Urology Coding Alert

Question: Can we bill for supplies used during surgical procedures in our office, such as biopsy needles or catheters?

Tennessee Subscriber

Answer: No, you should not bill separately for these types of supplies for in-office procedures.

Here’s why: The RVUs (relative value units) associated with each CPT^® procedure code takes into account the provider’s work, malpractice coverage, and practice expense. The practice expense portion of the RVU equation includes all the supplies and equipment necessary to perform the procedure. Any exceptions are noted in the CPT^® coding guidelines.

For example, code 55876 (Placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), prostate (via needle, any approach), single or multiple) includes a notation of “Report supply of device separately.” Similarly, code 52287 (Cystourethroscopy, with injection(s) for chemodenervation of the bladder) notes direct you to report the supply of chemodenervation agent separately. If the procedure you’re coding doesn’t include such a note, you should not report supplies separately.