AMA CPT® Assistant - 2012 Issue 2 (February)
Surgery: Urinary System (Q&A) (February 2012)
February 2012 page 11a Surgery: Urinary System Question: What is the correct CPT code for reporting cystoscopy with electrohydraulic lithotripsy of a bladder calculus? Answer: Depending on the size of the stone removed and documented in the procedure report, it would be appropriate to report either code 52317 , Litholapaxy: crushing or fragmentation of calculus by any means in bladder and removal of fragments; simple or small (less than 2.5 cm), or code 52318 , Litholapaxy: crushing or fragmentation of calculus by any means in bladder and removal of fragments; complicated or large (over 2.5 cm), when a scope...
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Article Overview
This short Q&A article from CPT Assistant covers a urinary system coding scenario and discusses how a bladder calculus procedure is categorized for reporting purposes. It is intended for coding professionals and others reviewing CPT guidance for surgical urology services, especially when verifying whether a procedure aligns with the appropriate CPT reporting approach.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps coders and auditors recognize the relevant CPT guidance for a bladder stone procedure and understand that the article’s focus is on reporting selection within surgical urinary system coding.
What You Will Learn
- The article’s urinary system coding topic and scope
- How a bladder stone procedure is addressed in CPT Assistant guidance
- The general factors discussed in relation to reporting selection
- The context of a February 2012 Q&A item for surgical urology coding
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Urology billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Compliance staff
Codes Discussed
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