AMA CPT® Assistant - 2001 Issue 8 (August)
Surgery Urinary System (August 2001)
August 2001 page 10a Coding Consultation Urinary System, Surgery, 50590 (Q&A) Question Does CPT code 50590 , Lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave, include extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy when performed on both kidneys? AMA Comment Code 50590 is a unilateral code. Therefore, if extracorporeal shockwave lithrotripsy is performed on both kidneys at the same session, then modifier -50, Bilateral Procedure, should be appended. Urinary System, Surgery, 50590 (Q&A). CPT® Assistant. 2001; August 2001 page 10a ...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This short coding consultation from CPT Assistant discusses urinary system surgery coding in the context of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and bilateral procedures. It is relevant to coders, billers, and compliance staff who work with CPT surgical reporting and modifier application. The article presents a question-and-answer format with AMA commentary on how the topic is handled in a same-session bilateral scenario.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers understand how a urinary system surgery service is discussed in CPT Assistant and why bilateral reporting considerations matter for accurate professional coding and claim submission.
What You Will Learn
- The general coding topic addressed by the consultation
- The role of CPT Assistant commentary in clarifying surgical reporting questions
- How bilateral procedure considerations are discussed for a urinary system service
- The relevance of modifier usage in a same-session surgical context
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Compliance professionals
- Urology practice staff
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com