Urology Coding Alert

If your urologist works with another surgeon, be sure you know when to employ a modifier. Often, urologists perform an orchiopexy and inguinal hernia repair in the same session. Choosing the proper coding can be a challenge because several variables can affect which codes you will use. Read on to find out how testicle location, hernia repair, and working with another surgeon can all affect the codes you report. 1. Determine Reason Behind the Procedure Orchiopexy is the procedure of freeing an undescended testicle and implanting it permanently into the scrotum. Urologists also perform orchiopexies for retractile testes with increased mobility that move up and down between the inguinal canal and the scrotal sac and for ectopic testes that have not descended properly and lie in an abnormal location. Undescended testicles are often associated with an indirect inguinal hernia on the same side, says Michael A. Ferragamo, MD, FACS, clinical [...]