Reader Question:
Suprapubic Catheter
Published on Sun Jul 01, 2001
Question: The patient had a suprapubic catheter. The doctor was called in for a consult, and he freed clots that were obstructing the catheter. How should we code?
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: If he irrigated out the clots, code a consultation (99251-99255) plus modifier -25 (significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service) and irrigation of clots (51700*, bladder irrigation, simple, lavage and/or instillation). But if he just changed the tubes, use 51705* (change of cystostomy tube; simple) or 51710* (change of cystostomy tube; complicated). You can't bill 51700* with 51705*, but you can bill it with 51710*.
