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Urology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Capture Robotic Laparoscopic Bladder Fistula Repair with an Unlisted Code

Published on Sat Sep 18, 2010

Question: My urologists are performing DaVinci robotic laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repairs. How should I report this procedure? Tennessee Subscriber Answer: Since there is no specific laparoscopic CPT Code for repair of a vesicovaginal fistula, and since most of the surgery for this procedure is devoted to the bladder repair, you should report 51999 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, bladder) for the DaVinci robotic laparoscopic vesicovaginal fistula repair. Additionally: A few non-Medicare payers will also reimburse you for HCPCS code S2900 (Surgical techniques requiring use of robotic surgical system [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]. When reporting 51999, bench mark in your medical documentation and claim submission that this code is similar in work, effort, expense, expertise, and operative time with the open transabdominal vesicovaginal repair (51900, Closure of vesicovaginal fistula, abdominal approach). Remember to request payment of 20 to 30 percent more than the open procedure.
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