Urology Coding Alert

Question: What is the most appropriate code to report when the urologist documents "green-light TURP"?

North Carolina Subscriber

Answer: You should use 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]) for the green-light TURP procedure your physician performed.

The diagnosis code you'll report for the procedure will be 600.01 (Hypertrophy [benign] of prostate with urinary obstruction).

Remember: The diagnosis indicating the medical necessity for the green-light laser procedure must be BPH with obstruction (600.01), so you'll need to make sure this is the diagnosis your urologist reported if you want to get paid for this procedure.