Advanced Search

Urology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

53899: New Prostate Ablation Technique Requires Unlisted

Published on Sun Jan 16, 2011

Question: My doctor performed ablation of the prostate using irreversible electroporation. I have never heard of this technique before. How should I report this procedure? New York Subscriber Answer: This is a new form of electrical treatment of malignancies, including carcinoma of the prostate. There is no CPT Codes for the procedure. To report this new treatment, you should use the unlisted urinary code: 53899 (Unlisted procedure, urinary system). Don't miss: Since there isn't another similar procedure with an established CPT® code you can use to benchmark your description and payment, you should send the payer a full description of what was done with the claim.  Tip: Many payers may consider this technique experimental and deny any payment. You should explain this to the patient and have him sign an advance beneficiary notice (ABN) before surgery.  In the case of a prostatic malignancy the diagnosis should be carcinoma of the prostate [...]
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