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Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

50541 Doesn't Differentiate Type of Technology

Published on Tue Dec 18, 2012

Question: Is the code for robot assisted laparoscopic renal cyst ablation the same for renal cyst decortication? This is the first time I’ve seen this word used by my urologist and cannot find any other laparoscopic code that comes close, unless it is the unlisted code (50549). Washington Subscriber Answer: You should report this procedure using 50541 (Laparoscopy, surgical; ablation of renal cysts). This code applies to the procedure regardless of the type of technology. When your urologist uses laparoscopic treatment of renal cysts, whether it be ablation, excision, decortication, etc., use 50541.
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