Urology Coding Alert

Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the box below for the
answer.
Question: Our urologist just performed his first laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. I can't find a code that accurately describes the procedure. Which code should I use? New York Subscriber           As your physician begins to incorporate new procedures such as the laparoscopic radical prosta-tectomy, you will encounter this coding dilemma somewhat commonly. Until Jan. 1, 2003, you should try to keep a list of procedures that require the use of unlisted-procedure codes.

If you would like to recommend that a procedure be considered for a new CPT code, you may submit an application to the AMA requesting either a new CPT code or that the revision of an existing CPT description is needed. Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy Answer: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is just one of a long list of increasingly common procedures for which there is not yet a proper CPT code. Until a new code has been introduced for this procedure, which will most likely take place when CPT issues its 2003 edition, you will have to use 53899 (Unlisted procedure, urinary system).

According to CPT Codes 2002, when employing an "unlisted procedure" code, you should identify by "special report," by providing "pertinent information [which] should include an adequate definition or description of the nature, extent, and need for the procedure, and the time, effort and equipment necessary to provide the service." You may also need to include the complexity of the symptoms, the final diagnosis, and any pertinent physical findings, i.e., size, location and number of lesion(s), diagnosis and therapeutic procedures, concurrent problems and follow-up care. Other examples of procedures that require code 53899 for lack of a better code include:
    As your physician begins to incorporate new procedures such as the laparoscopic radical prosta-tectomy, you will encounter this coding dilemma somewhat commonly. Until Jan. 1, 2003, you should try to keep a list of procedures that require the use of unlisted-procedure codes.

If you would like to recommend that a procedure be considered for a new CPT code, you may submit an application to the AMA requesting either a new CPT code or that the revision of an existing CPT description is needed. Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy Answer: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is just one of a long list of increasingly common procedures for which there is not yet a proper CPT code. Until a new code has been introduced for this procedure, which will most likely take place when CPT issues its 2003 edition, you will [...]