Urology Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Know When to Avoid 50 With Bilateral Codes
Published on Sat Jul 01, 2006
Question: How should I report a cystoscopic bilateral ureteral wash? Answer: You should report 52005 (Cystourethroscopy, with ureteral catheterization, with or without irrigation, instillation or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service) for a ureteral wash. This procedure is inherently bilateral. Therefore, you do not need to append modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) in this case.
New Jersey Subscriber
Note: This policy certainly holds true for Medicare. Some private carriers suggest coding for both sides using the following coding: 52005-LT (Left side) and 52005-RT-50 (Right side). Check with your private carriers for their particular policy for bilateral procedures.
Other Articles in this issue of
Urology Coding Alert
- Differentiate Urologist's Tasks for Proper Brachytherapy Coding
Don't forget to report ultrasound guidance when your urologist performs it in-office When your urologist [...] - Coding Quiz:
Determine Your NPP Coding Know-How
Take this quiz to see how well you know incident-to guidelines You might think you [...] - You Be the Coder:
Reporting Ureteroscopy and Stent Removal
Question: A patient had an ESWL and then came back for stent removal. The urologist [...] - News You Can Use:
Ensure Your Modifier 25 Documentation Stands Up
A new CMS transmittal may mean modifier 25 claims will be targeted Determining when to [...] - Version 12.2 Update:
Urology Coding Escapes Major NCCI Overhaul
You don’t have to worry about learning a whole list of new National Correct Coding [...] - Reader Questions:
File 2 Reports for Staged Vasectomy
Question: Our urologist performed a vasectomy on the right side in the office under local [...] - Reader Questions:
Know When to Avoid 50 With Bilateral Codes
Question: How should I report a cystoscopic bilateral ureteral wash?
New Jersey Subscriber Answer: You should [...] - Reader Questions:
Capture Supporting Information With E Codes
Question: I've never really understood E codes and when I should use them. Would you [...] - Reader Questions:
Determine Global Days Before Coding Discharge
Question: Can I use CPT 99238, the discharge day management code, with a hospital [...] - Reader Questions:
Look to 12001-12007 for Frenuloplasty
Question: When a urologist performs a frenuloplasty for a torn frenulum, which CPT Code should [...] - Reader Questions:
Turn to 78 for Return to OR
Question: Three weeks after a patient underwent an open nephrectomy, he presented with an infection [...] - Answers to Your Top-5 Consult Questions
We've examined your queries, now we tackle the solutions If you're still trying to get [...]
View All
