Urology Coding Alert
Steer Clear of Reporting 52000 With 51701
Question: Are we allowed to report 52000 and 51701 on the same claim? Louisiana Subscriber Answer: Current Correct Coding Initiative edits bundle codes 52000 (Cystourethroscopy (separate procedure)) and 51701 (Insertion of non-indwelling bladder catheter (eg, straight catheterization for residual urine)). You are not allowed to append a modifier to ‘break’ the edit pair and report both services for the same encounter. According to the edit, 52000 is the primary procedure and 51701 is secondary. The work involved, fee, and RVUs are higher for 52000. Because the edit lists it as primary, only report 52000 on the claim; code 51701 is considered to be a component of the work represented by 52000. Also note: According to CPT® manual instructions, “51701-51702 are reported only when performed independently. Do not report 51701-51702 when catheter insertion is an inclusive component of another procedure.”
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