How To Use CPT Code 50605

CPT 50605 describes the procedure of ureterotomy for the insertion of an indwelling stent in 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 50605?

CPT 50605 can be used to describe the surgical procedure in which a provider makes an incision in the ureter to insert an indwelling stent. This code is used when the provider places any type of stent into the ureter by making an incision into the ureter.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50605 is: ‘Ureterotomy for insertion of indwelling stent, all types.’

3. Procedure

1. When performing CPT 50605, the provider begins by appropriately prepping and anesthetizing the patient.
2. Next, the provider makes an incision on the side of the abdomen and dissects the muscles, fat, and fascia surrounding the ureter to expose it.
3. The provider then incises the ureter and places a drainage catheter tube through the incision and into the narrowing area to drain any urine or fluid material.
4. To ensure cleanliness, the provider flushes the area with a sterile saline solution.
5. Afterward, the provider inserts an indwelling stent in the ureter at the stricture site to open up the ureteral stricture or blockage caused by various factors such as a ureteral stone, tumor, or extrinsic pressure on the ureter.
6. Finally, the provider stops any bleeding and closes the wound by suturing the layers of tissue together.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50605 is performed on patients who require the insertion of an indwelling stent in the ureter. This procedure is typically necessary when there is a ureteral stricture or blockage caused by conditions such as ureteral stones, tumors, or extrinsic pressure on the ureter. The provider must make an incision in the ureter and insert the stent to alleviate the obstruction or maintain drainage for urine flow from the kidney.

5. When to use CPT code 50605

CPT code 50605 should be used when a provider performs a ureterotomy to insert an indwelling stent in the ureter. This code is appropriate when the procedure involves making an incision in the ureter and placing a stent to address a ureteral stricture or blockage. It should not be used for other procedures or interventions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 50605, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis necessitating the insertion of an indwelling stent
• Details of the procedure, including the incision made in the ureter and the type of stent inserted
• Date of the procedure
• Any complications or additional interventions performed
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 50605, ensure that the procedure involves the insertion of an indwelling stent in the ureter through a ureterotomy. It is important to follow the specific documentation requirements and guidelines provided by the payer. Append modifier 50 if the procedure is performed bilaterally.

8. Historical information

CPT 50605 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code was later added to the Inpatient Only (IPO) list for Medicare in 2017.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a ureterotomy to insert an indwelling stent in a patient with a ureteral stone.
2. During a surgical procedure, a provider makes an incision in the ureter and places an indwelling stent to address a ureteral stricture caused by a tumor.
3. A patient with extrinsic pressure on the ureter undergoes a ureterotomy to insert an indwelling stent for maintaining urine flow from the kidney.
4. A provider performs a ureterotomy and inserts an indwelling stent to alleviate a ureteral stricture caused by a previous surgery.
5. During a surgical intervention, a provider makes an incision in the ureter and places an indwelling stent to address a ureteral blockage caused by inflammation.
6. A patient with a ureteral stone undergoes a ureterotomy to insert an indwelling stent for relieving the obstruction.
7. A provider performs a ureterotomy and inserts an indwelling stent to address a ureteral stricture caused by scarring.
8. During a surgical procedure, a provider makes an incision in the ureter and places an indwelling stent to alleviate a ureteral blockage caused by a blood clot.
9. A patient with extrinsic pressure on the ureter undergoes a ureterotomy to insert an indwelling stent for maintaining urine flow from the kidney.
10. A provider performs a ureterotomy and inserts an indwelling stent to address a ureteral stricture caused by a previous surgery.