Urology Coding Alert

Question: I am unsure of how to code a transurethral prostate vaporization procedure that is not complete. The urologist states that he only did the middle lobe because that was the area that caused the urinary obstruction. I do not see documentation for surgery in the past for this prostatic enlargement, and the urologist did not state the possibility that the patient needed to come back for further vaporization treatment. What should I report? Massachusetts SubscriberAnswer: You should report 52648 (Laser vaporization of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete[vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, internal urethrotomy and transurethral resection of prostate are included if performed]) without any modifier.Middle lobe obstruction of the prostate is an anatomical formation of an enlarged prostate with often little growth of the lateral lobes and anterior commissure. These anatomically enlarged prostates often require only removal of the middle or median lobe with little [...]