How To Use CPT Code 51050

CPT 51050 describes the procedure of cystolithotomy, which involves the removal of a bladder stone without vesical neck resection. This article will cover the description, official details, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 51050?

CPT 51050 can be used to describe the surgical procedure of cystolithotomy, specifically the removal of a bladder stone without vesical neck resection. This code is used when the provider incises the urinary bladder to remove the calculus, or stone, from the bladder, without involving the resection of the bladder neck.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 51050 is: ‘Cystolithotomy, cystotomy with removal of calculus, without vesical neck resection.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient for the procedure, ensuring appropriate prepping and anesthesia.
2. An incision is made in the skin of the abdomen overlying the urinary bladder.
3. The provider dissects through the subcutaneous tissue, reaching the bladder.
4. The bladder is checked by inserting a syringe and draining out the urine.
5. An incision is made in the urinary bladder wall, sized according to the stone.
6. The stone is removed using forceps or a grasping device.
7. The bladder is examined for any additional defects.
8. The bladder incision is sutured, and a catheter is placed to drain the urine.
9. Bleeding is controlled, a drain is inserted, and the abdominal wound is closed with sutures.
10. The drainage tube and catheter are removed after five days.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 51050 is performed on patients with bladder stones, where the removal of the calculus is necessary. The procedure does not involve vesical neck resection. The provider must ensure appropriate prepping and anesthesia for the patient.

5. When to use CPT code 51050

CPT code 51050 should be used when the provider performs a cystolithotomy procedure to remove a bladder stone without vesical neck resection. It is important to accurately document the procedure and ensure that the bladder neck is not resected during the surgery.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 51050, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis of bladder stones
• Details of the procedure, including the incision made and the size of the stone
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Any additional defects found in the bladder
• Details of the closure, including sutures and drains
• Removal of the drainage tube and catheter after five days

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 51050, ensure that the procedure involves the removal of a bladder stone without vesical neck resection. It is important to accurately document the procedure and provide the necessary supporting documentation. Report CPT code 51050 separately and do not report it with other codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 51050 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a cystolithotomy to remove a bladder stone without vesical neck resection.
2. A patient undergoes a cystolithotomy procedure to remove a large bladder stone.
3. A provider performs a cystolithotomy on a patient with recurrent bladder stones.
4. A bladder stone is successfully removed through a cystolithotomy procedure without vesical neck resection.
5. A patient with bladder stones undergoes a cystolithotomy for stone removal.
6. A provider performs a cystolithotomy to remove a bladder stone in an elderly patient.
7. A cystolithotomy is performed on a patient with bladder stones causing urinary obstruction.
8. A provider successfully removes a bladder stone through a cystolithotomy procedure without vesical neck resection.
9. A patient undergoes a cystolithotomy for the removal of a large bladder stone causing pain and discomfort.
10. A provider performs a cystolithotomy on a patient with a history of recurrent bladder stones.