Urology Coding Alert
Submit 'Unlisted' for Seminal Vesicle Exploration and Biopsy
Question: My physician wants to report 49321 for a laparoscopic pelvic exploration with biopsy of seminal vesicles, but I don’t think that’s correct. What should we code?
Pennsylvania Subscriber
Answer: You are correct in thinking that 49321 is not the best code for the procedure. Code 49321 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with biopsy [single or multiple]) applies to the abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum.
Because the procedure you describe was performed for a male genital part (seminal vesicles), and CPT® 2016 does not include a code specific for that procedure, your best option is 55899 (Unlisted procedure, male genital system). Remember to attach a detailed operative report with the claim and a covering letter to explain your surgeon’s work and the rationale for submitting an unlisted code.
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