Urology Coding Alert
53899: New Prostate Ablation Technique Requires Unlisted
Question: My doctor performed ablation of the prostate using irreversible electroporation. I have never heard of this technique before. How should I report this procedure?
New York Subscriber
Answer: This is a new form of electrical treatment of malignancies, including carcinoma of the prostate. There is no CPT Codes for the procedure. To report this new treatment, you should use the unlisted urinary code: 53899 (Unlisted procedure, urinary system).
Don't miss: Since there isn't another similar procedure with an established CPT® code you can use to benchmark your description and payment, you should send the payer a full description of what was done with the claim.
Tip: Many payers may consider this technique experimental and deny any payment. You should explain this to the patient and have him sign an advance beneficiary notice (ABN) before surgery.
In the case of a prostatic malignancy the diagnosis should be carcinoma of the prostate (185).
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