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Urology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Settle on 53010 for Urethrostomy

Published on Wed May 25, 2005

Question: How should I code a perineal urethrostomy stone removal?


California Subscriber
Answer: Report CPT 53010 (Urethrotomy or urethrostomy, external [separate procedure]; perineal urethra, external) for the opening of the urethra, most likely in the perineum, and for the removal of the stone. Although there is not a specific code for the urethrostomy and stone removal, this code is very close.

If for some reason there was some difficulty in removing the stone during the urethrotomy, append modifier -22 (Unusual procedural services). Send in full documentation and an explanation of why the service was unusual.
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