Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Fluoroscopy + ESWL = Denial

Question: When my urologist performs an ESWL, is ultrasound guidance and/or fluoroscopy inclusive?  If not, can he bill the US guidance with 76998?

New Hampshire Subscriber

Answer: No, you cannot report 76998 (Ultrasonic guidance, intraoperative) or any other radiology guidance code with 50590 (Lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave).The fluoroscopy and ultrasound are included in the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) code. They are not separately billable services. 

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