Wiki Catheter CPT question

[kmartinez]

I am a little confused on because it seems this procedure would be a cysto with cath placement 52005, but Dr. also mentions all catheters were removed.

Help please on the correct CPT. I feel I may not be understanding this procedure correctly.

PROCEDURE: The patient was placed in lithotomy position, prepped with sterilizing prep and draped in sterile fashion for transurethral procedure...a 21-French cystoscope was passed through the urethra, prostate and the bladder where cystoscopy performed with a 30 and 70 degree lens. An 8-french cone tipped catheter was impacted in the right ureteral orifice and the collecting system filled with contrast with images being obtained via the fluoroscope. Again, the ureter ended abruptly. The catheter was removed, attempted to pass a sensor wire with the floppy tip, could not pass the Pollack catheter. Again, I attempted to pass the wire and could not. Again, attempted through the Pollack, without the obvious area of occlusion or narrowing, to instill contrast to see if it would pass up and none passed and so at that point to avoid injury, the procedure was stopped. All catheters were removed. Bladder was drained. Patient awakened....

TIA
KM

 

[drewvinson23]

You are correct, this procedure appears to be 52005. Here is a more in depth explanation about 52005 from the AAPC Coder Program:

"The provider passes a cystoscope through the urethra and into the bladder and examines the interior of these structures. In addition, the provider may insert a catheter into the ureter and instill fluids, such as saline, into the bladder, irrigate the bladder, and/or introduce a contrast medium to facilitate the visualization or radiological study of ureteric and renal pelvic structures."

Hence, the provider doesn't have to leave a catheter in the ureter to bill this procedure. The "catheterization" of the ureter with the Pollack catheter and cystoscopy is what is needed to be performed to bill this code.

Hope this helps.

Drew Vinson
CPC
NW Urology

 

[kmartinez]

Thank you so much for your input. This was great clarification for me.

I appreciate it.

KM