Urology Coding Alert

The November 2002 Urology Coding Alert ("Vaporize Laser Lithotripsy Woes," page 87) incorrectly states that indigo laser users should report contact laser CPTcode 52648 (Contact laser vaporization with or without transurethral resection of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, and internal urethrotomy are included]). Rather, the statement should have read that coders should report non-contact laser code 52647 (Non-contact laser coagulation of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete [vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation and internal urethrotomy are included]) for indigo-laser use. According to Henry Alder, director of reimbursement and healthcare economics for Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., the manufacturer and distributor of the indigo laser for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), the indigo laser is used for interstitial laser coagulation, described by 52647. CMS confirms this: "Physicians performing interstitial laser coagulation could properly use CPT 52647 as the billing code for their Medicare patients."

The December 2002 Urology Coding Alert ("Ease Assistant at Surgery Coding," page 93) incorrectly states in the last paragraph, "The surgeon bills 51597 and 38770-50, and the co-surgeon bills 51597-80 and 38770-50-80." The statement should read, "You may also bill a primary and an assistant surgeon. The primary surgeon bills 51597 and 38770-50, and the assistant surgeon bills 51597-80 and 38770-50-80."

The editors of Urology Coding Alert apologize for the errors and extend a special thanks to those readers who pointed them out.