Reader Question:
Indwelling Differentiates 51701 From 51702-51703
Published on Fri May 21, 2004
Question: When a pediatrician uses a catheter to obtain a sterile urine sample from a patient, what code should I report? Do 51701 and 51702 require long-term catheter placement? Texas Subscriber
Answer: You should submit 51701 (Insertion of non-indwelling bladder catheter [e.g., straight catheterization for residual urine]). The pediatrician in this procedure inserts a non-indwelling catheter to obtain residual urine.
If your pediatrician inserts a catheter into a patient's bladder and allows the device to remain in place, you should use 51702 (Insertion of temporary indwelling bladder catheter; simple [e.g., Foley]) or 51703 (... complicated [e.g., altered anatomy, fractured catheter/balloon]). Physicians often use an in-dwelling catheter, such as a Foley catheter, to treat urinary retention or neurogenic bladder. Submit an uncomplicated insertion as 51702 and a complicated insertion as 51703.
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