Reader Question:
Reporting Stents with Ureteroscopy
Published on Mon Apr 01, 2002
Question: Should we bill CPT 52352 and CPT 52332 together? We have been receiving denials lately.
Florida Subscriber
Answer: Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) version 8.0 does not bundle stent code 52332 into ureteroscopic codes. Modifier -59 (Distinct procedural service) is no longer needed with the stent code. Modifier -51 (Multiple procedures) should be appended, and both codes paid. If Medicare continues to bundle these codes, use modifier -59 and track for payment. For commercial carriers, appeal the denial and send a copy of the CCI showing the absence of any bundling between 52352 and 52332.