Urology Coding Alert

Differentiate seeds and markers before choosing 55875 or 55876. Brachytherapy seed placement coding challenges even veteran coders because your urologist will likely work with another physician on the treatment, which limits what you can report. Overcome these challenges with three expert tips, and avoid costly brachytherapy denials. 1. Skip Separate Cysto Coding Traditionally, your urologist -- rather than the radiologist -- will place the needles to implant the brachytherapy seeds. You'll report this service with 55875 (Transperineal placement of needles or catheters into prostate for interstitial radioelement application, with or without cystoscopy), says Michael A. Ferragamo, MD, FACS, clinical assistant professor of urology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Don't miss: Pay special attention to the fact that 55875's descriptor says "with or without cystoscopy." Your urologist may perform a cystoscopic examination to determine whether any seeds have been misplaced into the bladder or prostatic urethra. Even though [...]