Urology Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Complexity of Procedure Distinguishes 51860 from 51865
Published on Wed Oct 17, 2018
Question: A patient underwent laparoscopic sigmoid resection by the general surgeon. Our urologist was called in to repair an intraoperative cystotomy. Would we code this with 51860? Ohio Subscriber Answer: The correct answer depends on your surgeon’s documentation. If his repair was via an open approach, report either 51860 (Cystorrhaphy, suture of bladder wound, injury or rupture; simple) or 51865 (… complicated). Select the proper code based on the reported complexity of the surgeon’s work. If necessary, check with the urologist. If the repair of the bladder was performed laparoscopically, bill code 51999 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, bladder) and benchmark with codes 51860 or 51865.
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