Wiki Litholaplaxy

[beringer49]

A provider removes multiple stones from the bladder and wants to code 52318. The reasoning it is a "standard protocol" to add the size of the stones together and bill the higher code-either 52317 or 52318. I can find no documentation to support this. Any ideas or references?

 

[sctaylor]

I don't agree with adding the stones together in order to bill a 52318 because the code states "crushing or fragmentation of calculus". It's not plural. The only area I have seen that can be added together are some of the 1 codes but not Urology codes. When I studied for my CUC, the study guide stated that in order for it to be complicated, it depends on previous surgery, suze or condition of the stone. Hope that helps.

Sarah CPC, CUC