Urology Coding Alert

Question: My urologist describes his service as a transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts. Should I code this using modifier -52 (Reduced services) with the TURP code? Louisiana Subscriber Answer: Although it may not jump off the page at you due to some confusing verbiage, the code you are looking for is actually 52347 (Cystourethroscopy with transurethal resection or incision of ejaculatory ducts).

You are on the right track inferring that your urologist should not receive the same amount of reimbursement as he would for a full transurethral resection of the prostate, but the reduced-services modifier on the TURPcode would not properly represent his services.

Check the operative documentation to determine whether you need to code for any additional services that may accompany the transurethral resection of ejaculatory ducts. These additional services may include 52010 (Cystourethroscopy, with ejaculatory duct catheterization, with or without irrigation, instillation, or duct radiography, exclusive of radiologic service) and 55300 (Vasotomy for vasograms, seminal vesiculograms, or epididymograms, unilateral or bilateral). And if your urologist documents interpretation of the results of either of the aforementioned tests, use 74440-26 (Vasography, vesiculography, or epididy-mography, radiological supervision and interpretation; Professional component).