Urology Coding Alert

Question: What is the code for insertion of urolumen for urethral stricture?

New York Subscriber

Answer: Insertion of a urolumen urethral stent for urethral stricture via the standard endoscopic delivery system should be reported using code 52282 (cystourethroscopy, with insertion of urethral stent). This is a stent procedure for urethral stricture. Urolume is a tubular braided mesh cylinder made of high-strength implant-grade super alloy wire. The braided mesh is designed to expand radially after deployment to hold open sections of the urethra that obstruct the flow of urine. It is usually performed for recurrent bulbar urethral stenoses or strictures or for prostatic obstruction secondary to BPH.

This code (52282) can be found by locating the term urethra in the CPT index and, under urethra, locating the subterm insertion. Under insertion, the descriptor stent can be found. There is only one code listed (52282) that could be verified as correct by locating 52282 in the urinary section.