Urology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Add 51700 For Documented Barbotage

Question:

Can I code for bladder barbotage the urologist does while the patient is also having a cystoscopy?

West Virginia Subscriber

Answer:

If you urologist's documentation does indicate he performed a barbotage procedure, you can report 51700 (Bladder irrigation, simple, lavage and/or instillation). You'll also report 52000 (Cystourethroscopy [separate procedure]) for the cystoscopy.

Additionally: Append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to 51700 to indicate the barbotage is separate from the cystoscopic work.

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