Wiki bladder tumor removal

[00048906]

Is it possible for laparoscopic removal of a bladder tumor, and if so, what would the cpt code be? Dr was doing a radical laparoscopic removal of the prostate, and when entering the bladder for the anterior bladder neck resection, it was noted that he had a bladder tumor. He did a cystostomy and excised the tumor. He is using 51530 which is an open code. I don't see a laparoscopic code. Please help !

 

[csperoni]

Hopefully Dr. Ferragamo @liqgold2@aol.com will confirm, but I believe this is coded as unlisted 51999. There are very, very, very limited laparoscopic bladder procedure codes. If using unlisted, I would compare it to 51530. Another possible option is to add -22 to your primary code, but that would not be my recommendation as I do not believe it best describes the additional procedure.

 

[liqgold2@aol.com]

I agree with 51999 and bench marking to a similar open procedure code, 51530, as correct coding for this unusual clinical scenario.