Advanced Search

Urology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Prosthesis Removal Equals Foreign-Body Removal

Published on Fri Aug 11, 2006

Question: How should I report the removal of a testicular prosthesis from the patient’s scrotum?


Nevada Subscriber
Answer: For the removal of a testicular prosthesis from the scrotum, you should report 55120 (Removal of foreign body in scrotum). In this case, because CPT does not have a more appropriate code that identifies the type of foreign body (a prosthesis), this less descriptive code is appropriate.

The diagnosis code you’ll use depends on the reason that the urologist had to remove the prosthesis.

Option 1: If the prosthesis removal occurred because the prosthesis became infected, you should use 996.65 (Infection and inflammatory reaction due to internal prosthetic device, implant, and graft; due to other genitourinary device, implant and graft).

Option 2: If the urologist performed the procedure because of persistent pain secondary to the presence of the prosthesis, a complication, report 996.76 (Other complications of internal prosthetic device; pain due to genitourinary device, implant and graft).
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 your eNewsletter
  • 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
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Urology Coding Alert

View All