Urology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Reporting an Uncomplicated Foley Switch

Question: Would 51702 be appropriate to use for an uncomplicated exchange of a Foley catheter into an ACE stoma? Or would 51703 be more appropriate since the procedure is through “altered anatomy”? I am not sure whether “altered anatomy” applies to the stoma.

Nebraska Subscriber

Answer: In the situation you describe, a stoma would not be considered “altered anatomy.” The urologist was able to complete the Foley catheter exchange easily and with no complications. Because of this, your suggestion of 51702 (Insertion of temporary indwelling bladder catheter; simple (eg, Foley)) is correct.  


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