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Urology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Postsurgery Cystoscopy

Published on Sat Jun 01, 2002

Question: If our doctor checks by cystoscopy for bladder damage after urethropexy, repairs (enterocele, rectocele), slings or other procedures, should we code the cystoscopy? California Subscriber Answer: Cystoscopy, under these circumstances, is integral to the surgical procedures and is not separately chargeable. If the examination is diagnostic as for hematuria (599.7, Hematuria) or calculus disease (594.1, Calculus of lower urinary tract; other calculus in bladder), report 52000 (Cystourethroscopy [separate procedure]) with modifier -51 (Multiple procedures) in addition to the surgical procedure. If the urologist just looks in the bladder to check for damage, no charge is reportable.  
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