How To Use CPT Code 50572

CPT 50572 describes the procedure for renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 50572?

CPT 50572 is a code used to describe a specific procedure known as renal endoscopy. This procedure involves the insertion of an endoscope into the kidney or renal pelvis through an incision in the skin. The provider uses the endoscope to examine the structures of the renal collecting system, including the kidney, renal pelvis, and ureter.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50572 is: ‘Renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service; with ureteral catheterization, with or without dilation of ureter.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and administers anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin over the kidney or renal pelvis.
3. An endoscope is inserted into the kidney through the incision.
4. The provider examines the structures of the renal collecting system using the endoscope.
5. Sterile saline solution may be added to improve visualization.
6. Therapeutic solutions or contrast material may be instilled for additional procedures.
7. A catheter tube is placed into the ureter through the endoscope for analysis of any narrowing.
8. If necessary, a balloon catheter may be used to dilate the ureter.
9. The endoscope is removed, and a drainage tube may be placed for temporary urine flow.
10. The incision is closed with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50572 is performed on patients who require renal endoscopy for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This procedure is typically used for patients with conditions such as renal calculi (kidney stones) or other abnormalities in the renal collecting system. The procedure must be performed by a qualified healthcare provider and may involve additional services such as irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography.

5. When to use CPT code 50572

CPT code 50572 should be used when a provider performs renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography. This code is specific to procedures involving ureteral catheterization, with or without dilation of the ureter. It is important to review the documentation and ensure that all elements of the code description are met before reporting CPT 50572.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50572, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for the procedure and the patient’s condition
• Details of the procedure, including the approach used (nephrotomy or pyelotomy)
• Any additional services performed, such as irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography
• Use of a catheter and any dilation of the ureter
• Start and end times of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50572, ensure that the procedure meets all the requirements outlined in the code description. It is important to review the documentation and accurately report the services provided. CPT 50572 should not be reported with other codes that include renal endoscopy, as it is an exclusive code. It is also important to follow any specific billing guidelines provided by payers or regulatory bodies.

8. Historical information

CPT 50572 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with renal calculi undergoes renal endoscopy through nephrotomy with ureteral catheterization and dilation of the ureter.
2. A provider performs renal endoscopy through pyelotomy with irrigation and ureteropyelography for a patient with suspected abnormalities in the renal collecting system.
3. A patient with recurrent urinary tract infections undergoes renal endoscopy through nephrostomy with ureteral catheterization and instillation of therapeutic solutions.
4. A provider performs renal endoscopy through pyelostomy with ureteral catheterization and dilation of the ureter for a patient with a history of ureteral strictures.
5. A patient with suspected renal tumors undergoes renal endoscopy through nephrotomy with ureteral catheterization and radiologic examination of the renal pelvis and ureter.
6. A provider performs renal endoscopy through pyelotomy with irrigation and ureteropyelography for a patient with suspected ureteropelvic junction obstruction.