Urology Coding Alert
Look Beyond CCI Edits
Question: My physician performed an excision of an infected urachal cyst, and then also a cystorrhaphy. Although these two codes (51500 and 51860) are not bundled, it seems that the cystorrhaphy would just be part of the urachal cyst excision. Am I right in my thinking, or should I be billing both of them out?
Wisconsin Subscriber
Answer: You are correct. While the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) does not bundle 51500 (Excision of urachal cyst or sinus, with or without umbilical hernia repair) and 51860 (Cystorrhaphy, suture of bladder wound, injury or rupture; simple), the bladder repair and/or excision with the cyst removal is an integral part of the overall procedure of urachal cyst excision. Therefore, you should not bill both codes. Instead, report just 51500.
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