Urology Coding Alert

Tip: Look beyond the term 'fulguration' when you choose your codes. If you're billing every cystoscopic bladder biopsy with fulguration that your urologist performs using CPT 52204 , you could be missing out on almost $400 per procedure. The answer to which bladder biopsy code you should be using lies within your urologist's documentation. Read on to find out what clues to look for to ensure you choose the proper code every time. Look at All Your Code Options Myth: Code 52204 (Cystourethroscopy, with biopsy[s]) is the only code you can use to report a cystoscopic bladder biopsy and fulguration. Fact: Which bladder biopsy code you report depends on the reason for the fulguration and the information your urologist provides in his operative report. You will then choose from the following bladder biopsy codes: • 52204 --" Cystourethroscopy, with biopsy(s) • 52224 --" Cystourethroscopy, with fulguration (including cryosurgery or laser [...]