Urology Coding Alert

Question: Our doctors are starting to do plasma prostate vaporizations. The rep states we should use the CPT 52601 TURP code. Is this correct?

Texas Subscriber

Answer: Yes, your rep is correct. You should report a plasma vaporization of the prostate using 52601 (Transurethral electrosurgical resection of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, and internal urethrotomy are included]). This is an electrical vaporization of the prostate gland, and therefore, 52601 is correct.

Pitfall: Don't be tempted to report 52648 (Laser vaporization of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, internal urethrotomy and transurethral resection of prostate are included if performed]) or 52649 (Laser enucleation of the prostate with morcellation, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, internal urethrotomy and transurethral resection of prostate are included if performed]) for this procedure. This is not a laser vaporization, and you shouldn't use laser codes.