How To Use CPT Code 51700

CPT 51700 describes the procedure of bladder irrigation and instillation, which involves delivering medication directly to the bladder using a catheter. This article will cover the official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 51700?

CPT 51700 can be used to describe the procedure of bladder irrigation and instillation. This involves filling the patient’s bladder with a therapeutic solution, also known as a “bladder cocktail,” using a catheter. The solution contains various protective and healing agents. The solution is left in the bladder for a specific amount of time, depending on the patient’s tolerance to the drugs, and then drained through the catheter. Irrigation, another common procedure, involves quickly passing a saline or therapeutic solution in and out of the bladder to flush out clots or debris.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 51700 is: ‘Bladder irrigation, simple, lavage and/or instillation.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician inserts a catheter into the patient’s bladder.
2. A therapeutic solution, also known as a “bladder cocktail,” is prepared.
3. The physician fills the patient’s bladder with the therapeutic solution using the catheter.
4. The solution remains in the bladder for a specific amount of time, depending on the patient’s tolerance to the drugs.
5. The physician drains the solution from the bladder through the catheter.
6. In the case of irrigation, a saline or therapeutic solution is quickly passed in and out of the bladder to flush out clots or debris.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 51700 is performed independently and should not be reported when catheter insertion is an inclusive component of another procedure. This code is used when bladder irrigation or instillation is performed as a standalone procedure.

5. When to use CPT code 51700

CPT code 51700 should be used when bladder irrigation or instillation is performed as a separate procedure and not as part of another procedure. It is important to ensure that the catheter insertion is not already included in another reported code. This code should be used for both bladder irrigation and instillation procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 51700, the physician must document the following information:

• Reason for performing bladder irrigation or instillation
• Details of the therapeutic solution used
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• Signature of the performing physician

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 51700, ensure that the procedure is performed independently and not as part of another procedure. It is important to report this code only when bladder irrigation or instillation is the primary focus of the service. Do not report CPT 51700 if catheter insertion is already included in another reported code. It is also important to follow any specific guidelines provided by the payer regarding the use of this code.

8. Historical information

CPT 51700 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 physician performing bladder irrigation with a therapeutic solution for a patient with recurrent urinary tract infections.
2. A urologist conducting bladder instillation of a protective agent for a patient with painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis.
3. A nurse performing bladder irrigation to flush out clots in a patient with intractable cystorrhagia.
4. A physician performing bladder instillation of an anti-inflammatory agent for a patient with persistent hematuria.
5. A urologist conducting bladder irrigation to remove debris in a patient with a history of bladder stones.
6. A nurse performing bladder instillation of a healing agent for a patient recovering from bladder surgery.
7. A physician conducting bladder irrigation to treat a patient with a urinary tract infection.
8. A urologist performing bladder instillation of a therapeutic solution for a patient with bladder cancer.
9. A nurse conducting bladder irrigation to alleviate symptoms in a patient with painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis.
10. A physician performing bladder instillation of a protective agent for a patient with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections.