Use Modifier 52 When a Catheter Is Present for a Urethrocystography
Question: I have a report of an encounter with a 68-year-old established patient. The patient presented for a voiding urethrocystography procedure, but they already had a catheter in place for their urinary incontinence. The physician used the catheter to administer the contrast materials into the bladder. What procedure codes should we report for this encounter? Florida Subscriber Answer: You will assign 74455 (Urethrocystography, voiding, radiological supervision and interpretation) to report the cystogram procedure. You’ll also use 51600 (Injection procedure for cystography or voiding urethrocystography) for the contrast material injection into the patient’s bladder. Additionally, you’ll want to append modifier 52 (Reduced services) to 51600 to indicate that the physician didn’t need to place a catheter to administer the contrast material. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
