Urology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Steer to Unlisted-Procedure Code for Stomal Stenosis

Question: Is the correct code for stomal stenosis dilation the unlisted-procedure code 53899, or should I bundle the procedure into the office visit?


Oregon Subscriber
Answer: If the urologist provides an E/M service as well as the dilation of the stomal stenosis, just code the E/M service alone - do not report 53899 (Unlisted procedure, urinary system).

However, if the visit only encompassed the dilation of the stomal stenosis, report the unlisted-procedure code for intestine, 44799 (Unlisted procedure, intestine).

Regardless of the procedure code, you should report 997.5 (Urinary complications) as the primary diagnosis code; you may report V55.8 (Attention to other specified artificial opening) or V44.8 (Other artificial opening status) as secondary diagnoses.
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 Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 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

Other Articles in this issue of

Urology Coding Alert

View All