How To Use CPT Code 50700

CPT 50700 describes a plastic operation on the ureter, specifically for repairing a narrowed, injured, or affected portion of the ureter. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 50700?

CPT 50700 can be used to describe a plastic operation on the ureter, which involves surgically repairing a narrowed, injured, or affected portion of the ureter. This code is used when a provider performs a ureteroplasty to reshape the structure of the ureter, such as when a narrowed portion of the ureter blocks the flow of urine.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 50700 is: ‘Ureteroplasty, plastic operation on ureter (eg, stricture).’ This code falls within the range of repair procedures on the ureter, specifically between codes 50700 and 50940.

3. Procedure

1. When performing a ureteroplasty, the provider begins by making an incision in the skin of the abdomen over the location of the ureter.
2. Next, the provider carefully dissects through the subcutaneous tissue or just under the skin and muscles to expose the ureter.
3. Once the ureter is exposed, the provider identifies the area of stricture or narrowing.
4. The provider then incises the narrowed part of the ureter and repairs the narrowed area using sutures.
5. In some cases, the provider may also insert a balloon catheter at the blockage area to dilate the ureter by inflating the balloon.
6. To provide support after dilation, the provider may place a stent, a thin expandable tube, into the ureter at the stricture site.
7. After completing the repair of the ureter, the provider places a drainage catheter tube through a separate incision to allow temporary drainage of urine and prevent leakage from the surgical site.
8. Finally, the provider stops any bleeding and closes the abdominal wound by suturing the layers of tissue together.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 50700 is used when a patient requires a plastic operation on the ureter due to a narrowed, injured, or affected portion of the ureter. This procedure is typically performed to address a stricture, which is a narrowing of the ureter that can block the flow of urine. The provider must assess the patient’s condition and determine the need for a ureteroplasty. It is important to note that this procedure should only be performed by a qualified healthcare professional with the necessary expertise in urological surgery.

5. When to use CPT code 50700

CPT code 50700 should be used when a provider performs a plastic operation on the ureter to repair a narrowed, injured, or affected portion of the ureter. This code is specifically for ureteroplasty procedures and should not be used for other types of ureteral surgeries or interventions.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 50700, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis indicating the need for a ureteroplasty
• Description of the specific procedure performed, including any additional techniques used (e.g., balloon dilation, stent placement)
• Date of the procedure
• Details of the surgical approach and any complications encountered
• Documentation of any additional procedures or interventions performed during the same operative session
• Signature of the performing provider

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 50700, ensure that the procedure meets the criteria for a ureteroplasty and that the documentation supports the necessity of the surgery. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer and use the appropriate modifiers, if required. Additionally, be aware of any bundling or unbundling issues and ensure accurate coding to avoid claim denials or delays in reimbursement.

8. Historical information

CPT code 50700 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. The code has not undergone any updates or revisions since its addition. However, it is important to stay updated with any changes or revisions in coding guidelines or payer requirements related to ureteroplasty procedures.

9. Examples

1. A patient undergoes a ureteroplasty to repair a narrowed portion of the ureter caused by a previous injury.
2. A provider performs a ureteroplasty to address a stricture in the ureter, which is causing urinary flow obstruction.
3. A patient with a congenital abnormality of the ureter undergoes a ureteroplasty to reconstruct the affected portion of the ureter.
4. A provider performs a ureteroplasty to repair a damaged ureter following a surgical procedure.
5. A patient with recurrent urinary tract infections undergoes a ureteroplasty to correct a narrowed ureter that is contributing to the infections.
6. A provider performs a ureteroplasty to repair a ureteral injury caused by trauma.
7. A patient with a history of kidney stones undergoes a ureteroplasty to address a stricture in the ureter that is causing recurrent stone formation.
8. A provider performs a ureteroplasty to repair a ureteral stricture that is causing hydronephrosis.
9. A patient with a history of radiation therapy undergoes a ureteroplasty to address radiation-induced damage to the ureter.
10. A provider performs a ureteroplasty to repair a ureteral stricture that is causing urinary incontinence.