Urology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Converted Nephrectomy

Published on Fri Dec 01, 2000

Question: Our urologist encountered problems while performing a laparoscopic nephrectomy, and had to switch to an open procedure. What is the correct way to code this?

Rhode Island Subscriber

Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the answer.

Answer: If the surgery was planned as a laparoscopic nephrectomy, and due to complications was converted to an open procedure, you should bill for the laparoscopic and open procedure, with modifier -52 (reduced services) attached to the laparoscopic procedure. The laparoscopic procedure is coded 50545 (radical nephrectomy [includes removal of Gerotas fascia and surrounding fatty tissue, removal of regional lymph nodes, and adrenalectomy]), and the open procedure is coded 50230 (nephrectomy, including partial ureterectomy, any approach including rib resection; radical, with regional lymphadenectomy and/or vena caval thrombectomy).

Urology Coding Alert

Code Each Level of Service for Proper Reimbursement of Prostatitis Treatment
Prostatitis implies inflammation of the prostate, which may be acute (601.0) or chronic (

Case Study:
Gain Pay Up by Coding All Items in Multiple Procedures
Urologists frequently perform more than one procedure during a session, but they may not be [...]

You Be the Coder:
Converted Nephrectomy
Question: Our urologist encountered problems while performing a laparoscopic nephrectomy, and had to switch to [...]

Modifier -60:
Use When Surgical Field Has Been Altered
CPT 2001 has introduced modifier -60 (altered surgical field), which means that urology coders will [...]

Good News:
New Conversion Factor Is $38
Medicares fee schedule for 2001 contains some great news for urologists: a new conversion factor [...]

Correction:
No Separate Billing for CaverMap
In the July Urology Coding Alert, the answer to the reader question Prostatectomy, on [...]

Reader Question:
Non-scalpel Vasectomy
Question: How do I code a bilateral non-scalpel vasectomy? What about a reversal?

Wisconsin Subscriber

[...]

Reader Question:
Cystoscopy Through Stoma
Question: When my urologist performs a cystoscopy through a stoma, should I use a regular [...]

Reader Question:
Penile Doppler
Question: What is the correct code for a penile doppler performed in the office?

Florida Subscriber

[...]

Reader Question:
Prostate Freezing Treatment
Question: Under what circumstances can I use the new code for prostate freezing as a [...]

Reader Question:
Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasia
Question: What is the correct diagnosis code for prostate intraepithelial neoplasia?

Indiana Subscriber

Answer: The correct [...]

Reader Question:
Failed Vasectomy Reversal
Question: What diagnosis code should I use for a failed vasectomy reversal?

Kansas Subscriber

Answer: [...]

Reader Question:
Multiple Scrotal Cysts
Question: How should I code for multiple scrotal cysts of various sizes?

[...]

View All