Urology Coding Alert
Stop the Search for an Incision Code
Question: What is the code for a post-prostatectomy bladder neck contracture that was treated by an incision? Does this require an unlisted-procedure code? New York Subscriber Answer: Although the unlisted-procedure code is a viable option, consider using a more specific code to represent the incisional bladder neck contracture. Bladder neck contracture is common in patients after the removal of the prostate, when scar tissue builds up where the prostate was located prior to surgery. Typically, the scar tissue is removed using a resectoscope, but some urologists may opt to incise the scar tissue as indicated in your question. If you use the unlisted-procedure code 53899 (Unlisted procedure, urinary system), be sure to have detailed documentation of the actual procedure performed and be prepared to submit it to the carrier. You also have the option of using the code for the standard resection of bladder neck contracture, 52640 (Transurethral resection; of postoperative bladder neck contracture), with modifier -52 (Reduced services). Modifier -52 will indicate to the carrier that the incisional method does not require the same amount of work as the resection method, so there should be a reduction in the fee.
Urology Coding Alert
- Circumvent Denials for Circumcision Claims With Medical Necessity
If you're using diagnosis codes for cosmetic or religiously motivated circumcisions in adult and pediatric [...] - Included or Not Included? That Is the 54640 Question
Urologists commonly perform inguinal orchiopexies and hernia repairs in the same surgical session, but it's [...] - You Be the Coder:
Bridge the Adhesion Terminology Gap
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - News Brief:
2003 Fee Schedule Increases Physician Pay
The fruit of intensive lobbying by physician groups on Capitol Hill took formal shape Feb. [...] - Test Your Modifier Knowledge
Brush up on your modifiers, coders: You are your practice's best line of defense against [...] - Reader Question:
Diagnosis Code Surgery Complications
Question: What are the correct diagnosis codes for a patient who had a spermatocelectomy one [...] - Reader Question:
Dont Avoid Coding Voiding Trials
Question: How should I code a "voiding trial"? UCA Subscriber Answer: You won't find a [...] - Reader Question:
Append -52 to Unsuccessful Stricture Surgery
Question: During a planned ureteroscopy, stone extraction, and possible laser lithotripsy procedure, my urologist found [...] - Reader Question:
Dont Mix -57 and Minor Procedures
Question: We use modifier -57 on separately identifiable E/M services during which the decision for [...] - Confidently Code Bladder Scan Diagnoses
One fundamental concept should drive your bladder scan ICD-9 Coding: Bladder scans are diagnostic tests. [...] - Understand Roles Of Physicians Working Together
Whether performing a joint procedure or assisting with intraoperative complications, don't be surprised when your [...] - Coder to Coder
"There has to be communication, coder-to-coder or biller-to-biller, that modifier -62 is being used to [...] - Use CMS as Your TURB-Coding Measuring Stick
Don't let cloudy CPT Guidelines for bladder lesion removal throw you off. Use the guidelines [...] - Reader Question:
Dont Consider Multiple Tumors Unusual
Question: When we report multiple medium bladder tumors resected in a single surgical session, can [...] - Reader Question:
Stop the Search for an Incision Code
Question: What is the code for a post-prostatectomy bladder neck contracture that was treated by [...] - Reader Question:
Contract 52601 and -22
Question: My urologist performed a urethrotomy prior to a TURP procedure because of a bladder [...] - Reader Question:
Avoid Comparable DrugCodes
Question: How should I code for the drug neomycin when it is used for bladder [...] - Reader Question:
When Appropriate,Unbundle
Question: Is it appropriate to use modifier -59 to break the bundle between 52318 and [...] - Reader Question:
Examine Biopsy Code Definitions
Question: Should I use modifier -51 or modifier -59 to code multiple bladder lesions biopsied [...] - Reader Question:
Use Image to Choose 51798 or 76775
Question: What is the difference between CPT 76775 and CPT 51798? I know [...] - Reader Question:
Re-Examine the Documentation
Question: My urologist performed a cytoscopy with biopsy of a small bladder tumor, a cystoscopy [...] - Orchiopexy and Hernia Repair Coding CheatSheet
- You Be the Coder:
Exclude Bladder Lesion Margins
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...]
