How To Use CPT Code 50600

CPT 50600 describes a specific procedure involving the ureter. This article will cover the official description, procedure details, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 50600?

CPT 50600 is a code that represents a procedure performed on the ureter. This procedure may involve either an incision to inspect the ureter or the placement of a drainage catheter. It is important to note that this code cannot be reported separately if performed in conjunction with a related procedure through the same skin incision.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50600 is: ‘Ureterotomy with exploration or drainage (separate procedure).’ It is important to mention that for ureteral endoscopy performed in conjunction with this procedure, different codes should be used (50970 – 50980).

3. Procedure

1. During the procedure, the healthcare provider makes an incision in the side of the abdomen to access the ureter.
2. The provider then carefully examines the internal structures of the ureter to identify any abnormalities or diseases.
3. In some cases, a drainage catheter may be placed through the incision to drain urine or fluid material from the ureter.
4. The area is flushed with a sterile saline solution to ensure cleanliness.
5. If a drainage catheter is used, it is connected to the outside of the skin through a separate pierce incision.
6. Finally, the provider stops any bleeding and closes the wound by suturing the layers of tissue together.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50600 is performed on patients who require exploration or drainage of the ureter. This procedure may be necessary to identify and address abnormalities or diseases affecting the ureter. It is important to note that this procedure should be performed by a qualified healthcare provider.

5. When to use CPT code 50600

CPT code 50600 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a ureterotomy with exploration or drainage as a separate procedure. It is important to ensure that this code is not reported with a related procedure performed through the same skin incision. Modifier 59, Distinct Procedural Service, may be necessary if CPT 50600 is performed with an unrelated procedure.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50600, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for ureterotomy with exploration or drainage
• Details of the procedure performed, including any specific techniques used
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any complications or unexpected findings during the procedure
• Details of any additional procedures performed in conjunction with CPT 50600
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50600, it is important to ensure that the procedure is performed as a separate procedure and not in conjunction with a related procedure through the same skin incision. Modifier 59 may be necessary if CPT 50600 is performed with an unrelated procedure. Additionally, modifier 50 should be appended if the procedure is performed bilaterally.

8. Historical information

CPT 50600 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. It was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a ureterotomy with exploration to identify and address a suspected ureteral abnormality.
2. A patient requires a ureterotomy with drainage due to a blockage in the ureter.
3. A healthcare provider performs a ureterotomy with exploration to investigate recurrent urinary tract infections.
4. A patient with a known ureteral abnormality undergoes a ureterotomy with drainage to alleviate symptoms.
5. A healthcare provider performs a ureterotomy with exploration to assess the extent of a ureteral injury.
6. A patient requires a ureterotomy with drainage to manage a ureteral fistula.
7. A healthcare provider performs a ureterotomy with exploration to investigate persistent flank pain.
8. A patient with a suspected ureteral stone undergoes a ureterotomy with exploration to remove the stone.
9. A healthcare provider performs a ureterotomy with drainage to manage a ureteral stricture.
10. A patient requires a ureterotomy with exploration to investigate recurrent hematuria (blood in urine).