Advanced Search

Urology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Check Documentation For Cath Removal Details

Published on Sat Apr 17, 2010

Question: What code can we use for the removal of a urethral/ bladder catheter? Hawaii Subscriber Answer: There is no CPT Code for the simple uncomplicated removal of a urethral catheter. You will include the removal in the E/M code you report for the patient visit. For example, you might report 99213 (Office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient ...) for a level-three office visit with an established patient for the E/M and the catheter removal. Exception: If your urologist could not remove the urethral catheter because of a defective balloon, which cannot be deflated, and he needs to perform ancillary measures to remove the catheter, you can report 51703 (Insertion of temporary indwelling bladder catheter; complicated [eg, altered anatomy, fractured catheter/balloon]). You should report 51703 regardless of whether or not the urologist reinserted a new catheter. Ancillary measures to remove the catheter [...]
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