CPT^® 50081, Under Incision Procedures on the Kidney

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) code 50081 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range - Incision Procedures on the Kidney.

Additional/Related Information

Tabs

Summary

The provider removes one or more stones from the kidney, renal pelvis, or ureter using an antegrade (“downhill”) percutaneous approach. The provider uses imaging guidance and may place a stent and nephrostomy tube. This is a complex procedure for reasons such as stone size, branching, or location.

For clinical responsibility, terminology, tips and additional info
start codify free trial.

View any code changes for 2026 as well as historical information on code creation and revision.

Crosswalks

Tabs

MODIFIERS
ICD-10-CM

Combat the #1 denial reason - mismatched CPT-ICD-9 codes - with top Medicare carrier and private payer accepted diagnoses for the chosen CPT® code.

View the CPT® code's corresponding procedural code and DRG. In a click, check the DRG's IPPS allowable, length of stay, and more. To plug inpatient facility revenue drains, subscribe to DRG Coder today.

Crosswalk to an anesthesia code and its base units, and calculate payments in a snap! Subscribe to Anesthesia Coder today.

View matching HCPCS Level II codes and their definitions.

Forum

Have a question about CPT Code 50081 ? Start a discussion here

Op note help, lower pole UPJ stone

The documentation isn't very clear and almost sounds like the physician dictated it but didn't go back to edit it. But 52356 isn't correct here because the approach was not transurethral. I think th... [ Read More ]

PCNL with New Access?

I would suggest the following coding fopr your clinical scenario: 50081-LT 50432-LT for renal access and for nephrostomy tube placement 52332-RT for the contralatweral JJ stent placement ... [ Read More ]

PCNL with New Access?

Hi! I'd like a second opinion on how I've coded this procedure. Thanks! 50081-LT 50432-52-LT 52332-50 52005 74420-26 Indication for operation: Bilateral staghorn calculus. Plan for staged bilateral ... [ Read More ]

Percutaneous Nephrostomy Tubes?

The operative report does not describe procedures reported as performed. With this in mind I would suggest the following coding based on the poor operative report: 52356 for the ureteroscopy, ston... [ Read More ]

Percutaneous Nephrostomy Tubes?

Hello, You are on right path and 50081-RT is correct this includes stent placement. The 50389 would be used if tube was removed and stent was placed as the only procedure. Look into the 50432-LT inste... [ Read More ]

Percutaneous Nephrostomy Tubes?

Hi! I'm a bit stumped on this one. I was thinking: 50081-RT 74420-26 Would it be appropriate to bill 50389-RT for the removal of the right nephrostomy tube? [B]POSTOPERATIVE DIAGNOSES: [/B]Bilateral... [ Read More ]

Ureteral Incision and Removal of Ureteral Stone?

This one is stumping me. The physician suggested 50081 and 52332 but is asking for an additional code for the ureteral incision and removal of stone. Would this be included in 50081? Thank you!! [B]P... [ Read More ]

PCNL with antegrade neprhostogram

I would suggest the following coding for your clinical scenario: 50081 for the PCNL, and 50435 for the change of the NT. This code also includes the nephrostogram performance and interpr... [ Read More ]

PCNL with antegrade neprhostogram

CPT is inclusive to 50431. But is the doctor replacing the Nephrostomy tube? CPT 50435. 50081 50435.51 [ATTACH type="full"]5130[/ATTACH]... [ Read More ]

PCNL with antegrade neprhostogram

Good morning everyone, Pt had nephrostomy tube placed by radiology...then went later to OR - surgeon performed tract dilation, stone removal, stent placement and antegrade nephrostogram, catheter lef... [ Read More ]

View All