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Urology Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Tricky Stent Removal Coding

Published on Fri Aug 19, 2005

Question: I'm coding an operative report that includes cystoscopy, stent removal, flex ureterorenoscopy, stent placement and removal of bladder stone. How should I code this?


Nebraska Subscriber


Answer: You should only report CPT 52351 (Cystourethroscopy, with ureteroscopy and/or pyeloscopy; diagnostic) and 52332 (Cystourethroscopy, with insertion of indwelling ureteral stent). The cystourethroscopy (52000) and stent removal (52310) are included in the replacement of the stent. The National Correct Coding Initiative bundles the bladder stone removal (52310/52315) into the ureterorenoscopy. These cannot be unbundled.

Be sure to append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to 52332 for Medicare and use 52332 with modifier 51 (Multiple procedures) for private carriers.
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