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Urology Coding Alert

Circumvent Denials for Circumcision Claims With Medical Necessity
If you're using diagnosis codes for cosmetic or religiously motivated ci... Read more
Included or Not Included? That Is the 54640 Question
Urologists commonly perform inguinal orchiopexies and h... Read more
News Brief:
2003 Fee Schedule Increases Physician Pay
The fruit of intensive lobbying by physician groups on Capitol Hill took formal shape Fe... Read more
Test Your Modifier Knowledge
Brush up on your modifiers, coders: You are your practice's best line of defe... Read more
Confidently Code Bladder Scan Diagnoses
One fundamental concept should drive your bladder scan ICD-9 Coding: Bladder... Read more
Understand Roles Of Physicians Working Together
Whether performing a joint procedure or assisting with intraoperative compli... Read more
Coder to Coder
"There has to be communication, coder-to-coder or biller-to-biller, that mod... Read more
Use CMS as Your TURB-Coding Measuring Stick
Don't let cloudy CPT Guidelines for bladder lesion removal throw you off. Use... Read more
Reader Question:
Diagnosis Code Surgery Complications
Question: What are the correct diagnosis codes for a patient who had a spermatocelectomy... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Avoid Coding Voiding Trials
Question: How should I code a "voiding trial"? UCA Subscriber ... Read more
Reader Question:
Append -52 to Unsuccessful Stricture Surgery
Question: During a planned ureteroscopy, stone extraction, and possible laser lithotrips... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Mix -57 and Minor Procedures
Question: We use modifier -57 on separately identifiable E/M services during which the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Consider Multiple Tumors Unusual
Question: When we report multiple medium bladder tumors resected in a single surgical se... Read more
Reader Question:
Stop the Search for an Incision Code
Question: What is the code for a post-prostatectomy bladder neck contracture that was tr... Read more
Reader Question:
Contract 52601 and -22
Question: My urologist performed a urethrotomy prior to a TURP procedure because of a bl... Read more
Reader Question:
Avoid Comparable DrugCodes
Question: How should I code for the drug neomycin when it is used for bladder irrigation... Read more
Reader Question:
When Appropriate,Unbundle
Question: Is it appropriate to use modifier -59 to break the bundle between 52318 and 52... Read more
Reader Question:
Examine Biopsy Code Definitions
Question: Should I use modifier -51 or modifier -59 to code multiple bladder lesions bio... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Image to Choose 51798 or 76775
Question: What is the difference between CPT 76775 and CPT 51798? I know it has to do ... Read more
Reader Question:
Re-Examine the Documentation
Question: My urologist performed a cytoscopy with biopsy of a small bladder tumor, a cys... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Bridge the Adhesion Terminology Gap
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lo... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Exclude Bladder Lesion Margins
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lo... Read more
Reporting 2 ICD-9 Codes for BPH and Urinary Obstruction? Not for Long
CMS gets specific with male genital disease diagnoses ... Read more
News You Can Use:
NCCI 9.2 Bundles Fluoroscopy Into ESWL
The latest version of the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits perpetuates the ... Read more
Quick Key:
Dont Miss the Boat: Incorporate These Urology-Related ICD-9 Changes
If you aren't using these diagnosis codes when October rolls around, don't be surpr... Read more
Modifier -59 Is Not Your License to Unbundle
Appending -59 (Distinct procedural service) to a code will essentially... Read more
NCCI 101:
Navigate the Edits Lingo
Tired of bungling bundles and misinterpreting mutually exclusives? Bru... Read more
Reader Question:
Float ROS to the Consult Level
Question: Does the urologist need to specifically document all 14 systems for the revie... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose Between 2 Block Codes
Question: What code should I use for a prostate block? New York Subscriber... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Aspire to Correct Aspiration Coding
Question: How should I code the aspiration of a seminal vesicle abscess under ultrasound... Read more
Don't Oversimplify Coding Radical Nephrectomies
All radical nephrectomies should not be coded the same. Urologists don't always re... Read more
Using Documentation Templates? Read This First
You have to base your ICD-9 Coding on your physician's documentation, but that doesn... Read more
Log On for SNF and Lupron Coding Answers
CMS reaches out to confused urology Coders with the answer to its million-dollar question... Read more
Regulatory News:
Take the Money and Run
CMS Has a Change of Heart on Proposed Mass Adjustment Good news for your practice: Urolog... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Your Ureteral Cancer Coding Skills
Question: My urologist performed a ureteroneocystostomy with a psoas hitch for ureteral ca... Read more
Reader Question:
See Eye to Eye With CPT on System Exams
Question: Should I include head and face, eyes, ENT, and skin when assigning an E/M code f... Read more
Reader Question:
Differentiate Vasectomy V Codes
Question: Which diagnosis code should I report for a prevasectomy exam? Should I link the ... Read more
Reader Question:
Beware 'Bilateral' Cystoscopies
Question: My urologist performed a cystoscopy with fulguration of bleeding points on both ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code Biopsies for Carcinoma Carefully
Question: Which diagnosis code should I link to biopsies of normal-appearing bladder tis... Read more
Finalized 2003 Fee Cuts Spare Urologists
Finally, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has published the 2003 Physi... Read more
New HCPCS Brachytherapy Codes Alter Medicare Coding
Two new HCPCS Codes for prostate brachytherapy deliver marked changes in hos... Read more
Dont Estimate Calculate Your Reimbursements
Reimbursement can differ from state to state, so to avoid a letdown from calculating... Read more
Take Time to Code 76873 with Prostate Brachytherapy
As Medicare continues to scale back payment for prostate brachytherapy, it is mor... Read more
News Brief:
CCI 9.0 Blocks Out Billing for 64416
Urology coders glide through the latest Correct Coding Initiative edits and into the n... Read more
Reader Question:
Ease Complicated Video Urodynamics Reimbursement
Question: How does the use of video equipment in urodynamics studies affect coding and ... Read more
Reader Question:
Use Unlisted-Procedure Code for Degloving of Penis
Question: My urologist degloved a patient's penis, explored for damage, and nothing more... Read more
Reader Question:
Use -57 and -52 for Intraoperative Consult and Exploration
Question: Our physician was called in during a hysterectomy to confirm or deny the pres... Read more
Reader Question:
Apply CPT Surgical Guidelines to New CPT Codes
Question: Can we report anesthesia separately if it is used with one of the new b... Read more
Reader Question:
Use CCI Edits to Demystify Bundles
Question: I can't figure out whether certain procedures are bundled, let alone how to co... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Append -51 to Cysto Code When Performed with CMGs
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking a... Read more
Count on New Urine Culture Coding Guidelines to Increase Reimbursement Flow
If you don't know the new guidelines for coding urine cultures, you won't get squat th... Read more
Properly Select Urine Culture Codes Using Test Specifics
To properly apply the urine culture codes subject to CMS'recent national coverage dete... Read more
10 Steps to Ensure ICD-9-CM Coding Compliance
When coders make the same mistakes again and again, the feds could view those ben... Read more
News Brief:
Medicare News You Can Use: Changes in NPP Rules Increase Reimbursement
Finally, CMS delivers news that urologists want to hear. Effective Oct. 25, 2002, chan... Read more
Correction
The November 2002 Urology Coding Alert ("Vaporize Laser Lithotripsy Woes," page 87) inco... Read more
Calm Your SNS Coding Nerves in Three Simple Steps
Thanks to CMS'national coverage determination for sacral nerve stimulation (SNS), ther... Read more
Code Female Incontinence Procedures Without Stress
The only surefire approach to coding surgical procedures for stress ur... Read more
Coding Biofeedback FAQs:
Look to CMS for Instructions for Billing 90901 and 90911
Biofeedback (90901 and 90911) can influence two kinds of physiologic respons... Read more
Reader Question:
Link Bladder Scans to Most Accurate ICD-9 Codes
Question: I am confused about which diagnosis codes Medicare considers covered for bladd... Read more
Reader Question:
Modify Coding for 99244 and Catheterizations With -25
Question: We are getting denials from Medicare carriers when we bill office consultation... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Bust a Gut Coding a Ruptured Pouch
Question: A previously diverted patient presented with a rupture of his diversional inte... Read more
Reader Question:
Ring In the New Year With 99371
Question: Our urologist spent 20 minutes during office hours on the phone providing advi... Read more
Reader Question:
Modify Urodynamics in the Postoperative Period
Question: We are getting denials for urodynamics testing in the postoperative period of ... Read more
Reader Question:
Code EMG Services Prior to Biofeedback Separately
Question: If EMG services are included in biofeedback (90901 and 90911), are they separa... Read more
Reader Question:
Bill Postoperative Biofeedback With Modifier -79
Question: If my urologist performs biofeedback during a patient's postoperative period, ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Simplify Complex Penile Lesion Destruction
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Use CCI Edits to Combat Denials for 51795 and 51797
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before lo... Read more
Achieve Surefire Penile Prosthesis Reimbursement With This Handy Rule
When it comes to penile prosthesis codes, you won't find any to represent the remova... Read more
SNFs Can Snuff Your Pay if You Dont Know the Ropes
If you think worrying about skilled nursing facility (SNF) patients is something only t... Read more
Urology News You Can Use:
Expect Higher Reimbursement For 2 Common Procedures
 A May 9 CMS Program Memorandum increases the reimbursement for two common urology ... Read more
Think Youve Made Your Case for Modifier -22? Not if You Havent Done These 5 Things
If you're submitting claims for unusual procedural services... Read more
Test Yourself:
Opt for -22 Over an Unlisted-Procedure Code
Question: Our physician asks us to report procedures that take extra time and effort wit... Read more
Reader Question:
Account for Multiple Cath Attempts
Question: Can I report a code for a Foley catheter insertion if it was inserted through a... Read more
Reader Question:
Assist Your Nephrectomy Code With -62
Question: What is the code for a hand-assisted laparoscopic nephrectomy? Can I report tw... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Stop at Modifier -22
Question: How should I report a bilateral spermato-celectomy for a Medicare patient? Indi... Read more
Reader Question:
Lay Anatomy Troubles to Rest
Question: Our urologist performed multiple bladder biopsies and transurethral resection (... Read more
Reader Question:
Dissect Anatomy to Determine Bilaterality
Question: My urologist performed a bladder biopsy at the same time another physician per... Read more
Reader Question:
Stick to the Diagnosis Coding Basics
Question: I'm new to diagnosis coding and can't figure out how to code "urethral trauma.... Read more
Reader Question:
Choose Your Coding Poison Based on Documentation
Question: How should I decide whether managing excessive bleeding that requires extra p... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Watch Your Urodynamics Coding
Question: Sometimes my urologist has the technician take a video of urodynamics with the... Read more
Take Physician Roll Call Before Coding Prostate Biopsies
There is no defined set of codes that you should report every time your urologist perf... Read more
Use Modifier -58 to Code Second Looks
If you consider your urologist's "second look" a few days after an endourologic proced... Read more
News You Can Use:
Your Multiple-Procedures Policy May Have Changed
If you automatically append modifier -51 to multiple surgeries performed by the s... Read more
Case Study:
Boost Resection Reimbursement In One Simple Step
If you're not differentiating bladder biopsy codes CPT 52204 and CPT 52224 from thei... Read more
Reader Question:
Ignore New Brachytherapy Codes
Question: I noticed new HCPCS codes for brachytherapy seed implants, G0256 and G0... Read more
Reader Question:
Use -58 for Post-ESWL Stone Basket
Question: A Medicare patient had ESWL last month. The physician was not successful in br... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Bill Mandatory Consults
Question: We billed Medicare for a cystoscopy with stent insertion using code CPT 5233... Read more
Reader Question:
Append -52 for Failed Dilation
Question: A physician did a consult in the hospital and attempted to insert 16 french co... Read more
Reader Question:
Sequence 52281 and 52332 to Your Liking
Question: Which codes should I use for a cysto with retrograde followed by pl... Read more
Reader Question:
Report 35840 for Mysterious Decompression
Question: My urologist documents performing a "right groin postoperative inc... Read more
Reader Question:
Selectively Report E/Ms With Screenings
Question: What are the rules for coding prostate cancer screenings? Can we report E/M se... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Separately Report Stricture and TURP
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looki... Read more
The Case of the Missing TURP Code:
Code Tissue Resection in the Post-Op Period
The lack of a TURP code to represent... Read more
Heat Up Your Thermal Therapy TURP-Alternative Coding
WIT, TUMT, TUNA and Indigo laser treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH... Read more
Coding Update:
New Guidelines for 76000 And 51798
You're not alone if you've been receiving denials for billing fluoroscopy with your ... Read more
News You Can Use:
CMS Updates 2003 Urinary System RVUs
If CMS hasn't given you enough food for thought this year, try chewing on the Jan. 17 ... Read more
Clarification
In the January issue of Urology Coding Alert Extra (Calm Your SNS Coding Nerves), it st... Read more
Reader Questions:
Use 50240 for Nephron-SparingNephrectomy
Question: Is there a code to charge for a nephron-sparing partial nephrectomy? My docto... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Scrotal Approach 54520
Question: How should I code a right scrotal orchiectomy for missed torsion performed at... Read more
Reader Questions:
Apply 55150 to -Ectomy
Question: What code should I use for a "partial scrotectomy," as termed by my urologis... Read more
Reader Questions:
Expect Endoscopic Reduction Billing 52318
Question: We recently billed CPT 52601 (Transurethral electrosurgical resection of ... Read more
Reader Questions:
Bill Post-Op TURP With -78
Question: I am a little confused on how to bill for evacuation of clots and fulguratio... Read more
Reader Questions:
Code Rare TUR With 52347
Question: My urologist describes his service as a transurethral resection of the ejacul... Read more
Reader Questions:
Consult Carrier Before Billing Botox
Question: What is the code for a Botox injection into the bladder for incontinence? Mar... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Ask Why Second Cystostomy?
Test your coding knowledge.Determine how you would code this situation before looking ... Read more
Sequence Your Codes Correctly It Pays Off
You already know that you should sequence the highest-paying procedure first on your cl... Read more
Use HPI Requirements to Curtail Underpaid E/M Claims
Many urology visits that should score a level-four or -five E/M code are reported as lev... Read more
News Brief:
CCI 9.1 Update:A Handful of Hassles
Urology coders may think they've gotten off easy with the latest CCI edits, but if the... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Limit Codes to Urinary System
Question: Is there a CPT code for a "vesico colonic fistula?" My urolog... Read more
Reader Question:
Dont Assume It Was Aspiration
Question: Is there an aspiration code specific to aspiration of the testicle or epididym... Read more
Reader Question:
Let Carrier Determine Post-Op Billing
Question: I'm trying to code a repair of an anastamosis of the urethra in the operating... Read more
Reader Question:
Consider -22 for Two Biopsies
Question: My urologist performed a ureteroscopy and biopsy of the renal pelvis and the p... Read more
Reader Question:
Check Source of Steroid Supply
Question: I am having trouble coding a transrectal ultrasound performed with a prostate ... Read more
Reader Question:
Beware Urologists Performing Preventive Services
Question: If my urologist provided a preventive physical exam on the same day as an E/M ... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Question Use of -22 for Extra Work
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking... Read more
Avoid OIG Scrutiny While Increasing Revenue by 15 Percent
How to turn 'incident-to' services from confusing to profitable. Coding incorrectly for n... Read more
Clip-and-Save Checklist:
Make Sure Your Incident-To Services Check Out
If you answer "No" to any of these questions, the services cannot be billed as incident-to... Read more
Get the Payment You Deserve When You Go Back to the OR
Requirements and reimbursement potential of modifiers -78 and -79 Practices can avoid for... Read more
6 Suggestions for Foolproof Modifier -25 Coding
Who knew that one little modifier could cause so many headaches? Put modifier -25 on your ... Read more
Reader Question:
Indicate Excess Work With -22
Question: My urologist performed a retropubic prostatectomy including the external iliac a... Read more
Reader Question:
Collaborate on In-Office Referral Documentation
Question: For a patient interested in a minimally invasive procedure for BPH, one of our p... Read more
Reader Question:
Roll In-Office Service Into Hospital Admit Code
Question: When we admit a patient to the hospital directly from the office, should we bill... Read more
Reader Question:
Accept Consultations Referred by Many Sources
Question: Who can request a consultation from a urologist?Kansas Subscriber Answer: Certai... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Code Lymph Node-Less Radical Nephrectomy
Question: My urologist performed a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy but did not remove the... Read more
Un-Bundle of Joy:
Get the Most From Multiple Endoscopies
You could be missing out on as much as 15 percent per procedure If you don't know... Read more
Reporting Anesthesia Doesn't Have to Be a Pain
Don't write-off anesthesia The American Urological Association (AUA) advises agai... Read more
Free NCCI Edits Available on the Web
On Sept. 2, the CMS posted automated edits on its Web site. These edits, known as the Nati... Read more
Reader Question:
The Power of Three
Question: How should I code a radical cystoprostatectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenec... Read more
Reader Question:
Post-Op Complications Need Not Be a Strain
Question: A patient undergoes a radical prostatectomy. Sixteen days after the removal of h... Read more
Reader Question:
Only One E/M a Day Will Get the Doctor His Pay
Question: For a bladder tumor checkup/follow-up (outpatient), we have been billing CPT 520... Read more
Reader Question:
One Tumor Code Is Enough
Question: My urologist transurethrally resected several bladder lesions of varying sizes. ... Read more
Reader Question:
Documentation for Consultation
Question: A patient was referred to us by his primary- care physician because of concern o... Read more
You Be the Coder:
Choose a V Code to Diagnose Stomal Stenosis
Question: What diagnosis and procedure codes should I use to report dilation of ileal cond... Read more
Identify 'Above and Beyond' Services With These Expert Tips
Make sure you understand modifier -25Yes, modifier -25 will get you reimbursed for E/M ser... Read more
Choose Between Consults and Referrals - $$ Is on the Line
And regulators are paying close attention to these services Coding consults and refer... Read more
Rules Differ for Confirmatory Consults
According to CPT Codes, "A 'consultation' initiated by a patient and/or fam... Read more
Six Must-Have HIPAA Training Skills
You can have all the HIPAA training in the world, but if you're not enforcing and practici... Read more
Reader Question:
Trust TRUS-With-Biopsy Pay
Question: Our transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) claims are hit and miss - sometimes the carrie... Read more
Reader Question:
Dig Deep for Scrotum Engulfment Code
Question: How should I code "scrotum engulfment syndrome"? New York Subscri... Read more
Reader Question:
Who Specified What Matters
Question: How do I determine if I should choose a "not otherwise specified" diagnosis code... Read more
Reader Question:
Use -52 for Nephrectomy, Not Lymphadenectomy
Question: What is the correct CPT code for a nephrectomy with adrenalectomy and removal ... Read more
Reader Question:
Swallow Botox Treatment Costs
Question: I am receiving denials from my Medicare carrier when I report CPT 53899 (Unlist... Read more
You Be the Coder:
See Solid Sonography Reimbursements With 76775
Question: We use CPT 76775 for renal sonography the urologist performs for a Medicare pat... Read more
Available Years:  2003  2002  2001  2000  1999