Urology Coding Alert
Turn to Unlisted for Laparoscopic Bladder Takedown
Question: How would I code for a laparoscopic takedown of a Burch bladder suspension procedure? Would this be an unlisted code? The physician also placed an omental fat pad graft into the space of Retzius.
Don’t forget: You must send a detailed operative report as well as a covering letter explaining in layman’s terms what was done, and since there is no specific CPT® code describing what your urologist did laparoscopically, you should benchmark these procedures to the above similar open procedure codes. Also ask for an increase in reimbursement of at least 50 percent over the open procedure payments due to the use of the advanced technology of laparoscopy.
Codify Member
Answer: There is no CPT® code for laparoscopic takedown. Your instincts are correct. You should use the unlisted laparoscopic bladder code: 51999 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, bladder). Benchmark the procedure to open procedure code 53500 (Urethrolysis, transvaginal, secondary, open, including cystourethroscopy [eg, postsurgical obstruction, scarring]).
There is also no CPT® code for the fat pad graft. You will need to use 49329 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, abdomen, peritoneum and omentum). Benchmark this procedure to the open add-on code +49905 (Omental flap, intra-abdominal (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure).
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