Urology Coding Alert
Only Report One Code for This Case
Question: My urologist performed a transurethral removal of a polypoid lesion in the bladder with fulguration of ulcers by loop electrocautery. The erythematous ulcerative areas of the bladder, suspicious for tumor growth, were fulgurated with electrocautery. Can I report both services? I am reporting 52224 for the polypoid lesion, which is 0.5 cm in size. AAPC Forum Member Answer: Consider this treatment the removal/treatment of multiple bladder tumors and report only 52224 (Cystourethroscopy, with fulguration (including cryosurgery or laser surgery) or treatment of MINOR (less than 0.5 cm) lesion(s) with or without biopsy) for their treatment. Most carriers allow the treatment of the largest lesion as the final coding for this type of scenario of multiple bladder tumors.
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