Urology Coding Alert

Question: We have patients that are in a 90-day global from either TURP or prostate laser vaporization. The patients return to the office for a voiding trial to see if the catheter can be removed. The  voiding trial is related to the surgery, and the urologist did not note in the operative note that the patient should return to the clinic for a voiding trial. Is this considered part of the global package or separate coding with a modifier warranted?

Vermont Subscriber

Answer: The voiding trial would be considered part of the standard postoperative care and included in the 90-day global of the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or prostate vaporization. Therefore, you should not bill for a voiding trial as described in your clinical scenario.