Reader Questions:
Add 51700 For Documented Barbotage
Published on Tue Apr 19, 2011
Question:Can I code for bladder barbotage the urologist does while the patient is also having a cystoscopy?West Virginia SubscriberAnswer: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.
