Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Sometimes Multiple Unlisted Codes are the Only Option

Question: My physician did the following:Laparoscopic ureterolysisLaparoscopic excision of ureteral strictureLaparoscopic ureteroureterostomyLaparoscopic stone basket extractionLaparoscopic pyelolithotomyLaparoscopic kidney stone removal. With these procedures all being done via a laparoscopic approach I am having a hard time finding codes. I am sure some of them are going to be unlisted, but I didn't want to skip over any that might have codes that I just can't find. What codes should I be reporting?Indiana SubscriberAnswer: Unfortunately, there are no specific CPT® codes for the laparoscopic procedures your urologist performed. Use the following codes: 50549 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, renal) for the kidney stone procedures 50949 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, ureter) for the ureteral procedures. You will need to submit a detailed operative report and an explanatory covering letter. Also bench mark the unlisted kidney and ureteral laparoscopic procedures to the corresponding open procedures: 50130 -- Pyelolithotomy with removal of..."kidney"...calculus --(pyelolithotomy,...)50715 -- Ureterolysis, with or without repositioning of ureter for retroperitoneal [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Urology Coding Alert

View All

Which Codify by AAPC tool is right for you?

Call 844-334-2816 to speak with a Codify by AAPC specialist now.