Urology Coding Alert

Question: The urologist ablates tissue from the bladder neck level down toward the verumontanum. He removes the prostatic tissue to the surgical capsule at the 3 to 9 o'clock position. I see this wording on both HoLEP and HoLAP procedures. Should I add modifier 52 to 52649/52648 if the urologist enucleated/lasered only the median lobe?Answer: You do not need to attach modifier 52 (Reduced services) to 52649 (Laser enucleation of the prostate with morcellation, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, internal urethrotomy and transurethral resection of prostate are included if performed]) or 52648 (Laser vaporization of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, internal urethrotomy and transurethral resection of prostate are included if performed]) in the clinical circumstances you describe.Here's why: The extent of treatment of prostate gland obstruction is often difficult to determine when the [...]