Urology Coding Alert
Remember 51798 Does Not Have a Global Period
Question: If a patient undergoes a TURP and then 60 days later (during the global period) comes in for a sonographic post voiding residual urine determination, 51798; would this be considered as inclusive of the post-op timeframe or could it be billed? South Dakota Subscriber Answer: The global package only includes related procedures that have global day assignments. Since 51798 (Measurement of post-voiding residual urine and/or bladder capacity by ultrasound, non-imaging) does not have a global period, it is exempt. Also, per global surgery guidelines, diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests are not included in the global surgery package. Code 51798 would fall into that category since it has a PC/TC indicator of '3.' Therefore, you should be able to bill this in the global period in addition to the original 52601 (Transurethral electrosurgical resection of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, and internal urethrotomy are included]) for the TURP.
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Remember 51798 Does Not Have a Global Period
Question: If a patient undergoes a TURP and then 60 days later (during the global [...]
