Urology Coding Alert
Stent Removal Is Included In a Stent Replacement
Question: The urologist preformed the following: cystoscopy, bilateral stent removal, bilateral retrograde pyelogram, and replacement of a right ureteral stent. Which code(s) do I use for these services and why? North Carolina Subscriber Answer: The appropriate code for the cystoscopy and replacement of the right ureteral stent is 52332 (Cystourethroscopy, with insertion of indwelling ureteral stent [e.g., Gibbons or double-J type]). You will not be reimbursed for a ureteral stent removal performed on the same day as a stent replacement (insertion). You can, however, report the interpretation (reading the films) of the retrograde pyelogram with 74420 (Urography, retrograde, with or without KUB). Includemodifier 26 (Professional component) » for thereading in hospital. The hospital owns the equipment and will bill for the professional component with 77420-TC (Technical component). 74420-26 includes interpretation of a unilateral or a bilateral retrograde pyelogram. Modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) should not be used for radiological interpretation of bilateral pyelograms.
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