Urology Coding Alert

Question: My urologist performed a transurethral incision of the prostate using the Holmium laser. Should I use CPT 52450 even though that code doesn't mention a laser?

Michigan Subscriber

Answer: Yes. You should use 52450 (Transurethral incision of prostate) for this procedure even though the code descriptor doesn't include mention of the Holmium laser. It does not matter what technology the urologist uses to perform the transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP). He may use a laser, hot knife, cold knife or other technique, but you should always report 52450.

Tip: If the urologist incises just the bladder neck, append modifier 52 (Reduced services) to 52450. Adding this modifier indicates that the incision was only at the bladder neck and not the complete prostatic urethra, bladder neck to the verumontanum.