Urology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Capture Fulguration Pay With Modifiers

Question: If my physician went to do a TUIBNC and found bleeding of prostatic varices, fulgurated them, then did the TUIBNC, can I charge the 52214 for the fulguration of the prostatic varices? Florida Subscriber Answer: Yes. You can report both the transurethral incision of the bladder neck contracture (TUIBNC) and the fulguration of the bleeding varices your urologist discovered. First, report 52450 (Transurethral incision of prostate) for the TUIBN. Append modifier 52 (Reduced services) toshow that the incision was only at the bladder neck and not the complete prostatic urethra, bladder neck to the verumontanum. Then, you can also report 52214 (Cystourethroscopy, with fulguration [including cryosurgery or laser surgery] of trigone, bladder neck, prostatic fossa, urethra, or periurethral glands) for the fulguration. Append modifier 51 (Multiple procedures) to indicate that your urologist performed more than one procedure during the operative session. Skip 51 sometimes: Many payers, including Medicare, no [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more