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Urology Coding Alert

Reader questions:

51702 Isn't Just for Nurses

Published on Tue Feb 16, 2010

Question: My nurses usually use the CPT 51702 code when they are changing the foley catheter, but when my urologists change the catheter, they mark 51705. Which codes should I be reporting for foley catheter changes? What about suprapubic catheter changes? California Subscriber Answer: When your nurse or your urologist is changing a foley catheter, you should be using 51702  (Insertion of temporary indwelling bladder catheter;simple [e.g., Foley]). You should not use  51705 (Change of cystostomy tube; simple) just because the doctor did the foley catheter change instead of the nurse. Code 51705 is for changing a suprapubic catheter.
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