Urology Coding Alert

CPT Reminder:

No More Amazing Grace Period to Use New Codes

Published on Sat Jan 01, 2005

Starting January 1, you'll have to start reporting the new CPT codes immediately CMS has scrapped the 90-day grace period you once had for implementing new HCPCS Codes and CPT Codes - which means you had better be ready to start using them next month if you want your claims paid.

The new grace period rule kicks in when the 2005 CPT and HCPCS codes become effective on January 1, 2005, says Janice Ladner, CPC, coder for Coast Urology Center in Gulfport, Miss.

New codes for 2005 include:
11004 - Debridement of skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle and fascia for necrotizing soft tissue   infection; external genitalia and perineum
11005 - ... abdominal wall, with or without  fascial closure
11006 - ... external genitalia, perineum and abdominal wall, with or without fascial closure
+11008 - Removal of prosthetic material or mesh, abdominal wall for necrotizing soft tissue infection (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
50391 - Instillation(s) of therapeutic agent into renal pelvis and/or ureter through established nephrostomy, pyelostomy or ureterostomy tube (e.g., anticarcinogenic or antifungal agent)
+57267 - Insertion of mesh or other prosthesis for repair of pelvic floor defect, each site (anterior, posterior compartment), vaginal approach (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure) Deleted codes for 2005 include: 50559 - Renal endoscopy ...; with insertion of  radioactive substance ...
50578 - Renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy ...; with insertion of radioactive substance ...
50959 - Ureteral endoscopy through established ureterostomy ...; with insertion of radioactive substance ...
50978 - Ureteral endoscopy through ureterotomy ...; with insertion of radioactive substance .... For complete information on CPT changes for urology practices in 2005, see "Ring In the New Year With 3 New Fournier's Debridement Codes" in the November 2004 Urology Coding Alert.

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