How To Use CPT Code 50060

CPT code 50060 describes the surgical procedure known as nephrolithotomy, which involves the removal of kidney stones through a small incision. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of CPT code 50060, including its official description, the procedure itself, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and similar codes.

1. What is CPT Code 50060?

CPT 50060 is used to describe the surgical procedure called nephrolithotomy, which is performed to remove kidney stones. This procedure involves making a small incision in the back over the affected kidney and creating a tunnel directly into the kidney through the skin. A nephroscope, equipped with a light source, is then inserted to visualize the inside of the kidney. The physician uses various techniques to remove the stones, including directly removing smaller stones with a basket-like device and fragmenting larger stones into smaller pieces using ultrasound. A nephrostomy tube is placed to drain fluid from the kidney, and the incision site is stitched after the stones have been removed.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50060 is: ‘Nephrolithotomy; removal of calculus.’

3. Procedure

1. The patient is positioned in the prone (face down) position, and the surgical site is prepared with Betadine® and draped in a sterile manner.
2. An incision is made in the back overlying the affected kidney.
3. A tunnel is created directly into the kidney through the skin.
4. A nephroscope, equipped with a light source, is inserted to visualize the inside of the kidney.
5. The physician removes smaller stones directly using a basket-like device.
6. Larger stones are fragmented into smaller pieces using ultrasound.
7. A nephrostomy tube is placed to drain fluid from the kidney into a bag.
8. The incision site is stitched to complete the procedure.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 50060 is used for patients who require surgical removal of kidney stones. This procedure is typically performed when kidney stones cannot pass through the urinary tract on their own. It is important to note that CPT code 50060 should be used specifically for the removal of kidney stones and not for other kidney-related procedures.

5. When to use CPT code 50060

CPT code 50060 should be used when a physician performs a nephrolithotomy procedure to remove kidney stones. It is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description provided by CPT code 50060. If the procedure involves a different approach or purpose, a different CPT code should be used.

6. Documentation requirements

When reporting CPT code 50060, the following documentation should be included:

• Clear indication of the patient’s diagnosis necessitating the nephrolithotomy procedure.
• Description of the specific technique used during the procedure.
• Date of the procedure and the duration of the surgery.
• Details of the stones removed, including their size and location.
• Documentation of any complications or additional procedures performed during the nephrolithotomy.
• Signature of the performing physician.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 50060, it is important to ensure that the procedure performed aligns with the description provided. Additionally, it is crucial to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by the payer or insurance company. It is also important to note that CPT code 50060 should not be reported with other codes unless there are specific circumstances that warrant it. For example, if the procedure is complicated by a congenital kidney abnormality, CPT code 50070 should be used. If a second procedure is necessary to remove all of the calculus, CPT code 50065 should be reported.

8. Historical information

CPT code 50060 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates or changes since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions to the code in the future.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a nephrolithotomy procedure to remove a large kidney stone that cannot pass through the urinary tract on its own.
2. A physician performs a nephrolithotomy to remove multiple kidney stones using ultrasound fragmentation.
3. A patient with a congenital kidney abnormality requires a nephrolithotomy procedure to remove a kidney stone.
4. A nephrolithotomy is performed on a patient with recurrent kidney stones to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
5. A physician uses a nephroscope to visualize and remove a kidney stone during a nephrolithotomy procedure.
6. A patient with a history of kidney stones undergoes a nephrolithotomy to remove a stone that is causing severe pain and obstruction.
7. A nephrolithotomy is performed on a patient with a large kidney stone that is causing recurrent urinary tract infections.
8. A physician performs a nephrolithotomy to remove a kidney stone that is causing significant impairment of kidney function.
9. A patient with a kidney stone undergoes a nephrolithotomy procedure to prevent further growth and potential complications.
10. A physician performs a nephrolithotomy to remove a kidney stone that is causing persistent hematuria (blood in the urine).