Urology Coding Alert
Remember the Ectopic Ureter Code
Question: One of our patients has presented with recurring kidney infections. The urologist is planning to perform a hemi-nephroureterectomy. He describes the patient's condition as "an upper pole non-functioning duplicated renal segment and ureter." How should I report this?
Oregon Subscriber
Answer: In this scenario, you should report 50240 (Nephrectomy, partial) for the hemi-nephrectomy. Most likely the patient also had an ectopic ureter, so you would also report 50660-51 (Ureterectomy, total, ectopic ureter, combination abdominal, vaginal and/or perineal approach; multiple procedures) for the complete removal of the ectopic ureter.
Use ICD-9 codes 753.3 (Other specified anomalies of kidney) and 753.4 (Other specified anomalies of ureter) for the patient's diagnoses.
Urology Coding Alert
- Find the Expert Answers to Your Toughest TURP Questions Here
The ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ rule on TURPs limits the codes you can report Determining which code to [...] - Modifiers, Part 1:
Avoid the Modifier Mix-Up With These Expert Tips
Determine when you should append 25, 57 and 59 Note: This article is the first [...] - You Be the Coder:
Does Global Period Affect SP Tube Change?
Question: I'm trying to determine how to code the following scenario: A patient is in [...] - Pay Attention to Patient Status When Coding SNF Services
Knowing which urological services are covered will save you time and money Do you think [...] - Reader Questions:
Include 44300 When Doctor Places Drainage Tubes
Question: How should I code an open removal of stones from an Indiana pouch? The [...] - Reader Questions:
Approach Is Key in Renal Cryoblation Coding
Question: How should I code for renal cryoblation of the kidney?
Illinois Subscriber
Answer: How you report [...] - Reader Questions:
Medicare Codes Include Anesthesia Services
Question: I've been told that we can report the instillation of novocaine into the bladder [...] - Reader Questions:
Remember the Ectopic Ureter Code
Question: One of our patients has presented with recurring kidney infections. The urologist is planning [...] - Reader Questions:
Lack of Color Doesn't Mean Automatic Denial
Question: Our office is able to perform ultrasound with Doppler, but we do not have [...] - Reader Questions:
Overcome Hard-to-Find Calyceal Diverticulum Codes
Question: My urologist performed a ureteroscopic incision of a stricture of the opening of a [...]
