Advanced Search

Urology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Remember the Ectopic Ureter Code

Published on Fri Sep 23, 2005

Question: One of our patients has presented with recurring kidney infections. The urologist is planning to perform a hemi-nephroureterectomy. He describes the patient's condition as "an upper pole non-functioning duplicated renal segment and ureter." How should I report this?


Oregon Subscriber
Answer: In this scenario, you should report 50240 (Nephrectomy, partial) for the hemi-nephrectomy. Most likely the patient also had an ectopic ureter, so you would also report 50660-51 (Ureterectomy, total, ectopic ureter, combination abdominal, vaginal and/or perineal approach; multiple procedures) for the complete removal of the ectopic ureter.

Use ICD-9 codes 753.3 (Other specified anomalies of kidney) and 753.4 (Other specified anomalies of ureter) for the patient's diagnoses.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Urology Coding Alert

View All