How To Use CPT Code 51701

CPT 51701 describes the insertion of a non-indwelling bladder catheter by a healthcare provider for the purpose of intermittent catheterization or obtaining residual urine after voiding. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 51701?

CPT 51701 can be used to describe the insertion of a non-indwelling bladder catheter by a healthcare provider. This procedure is performed to either perform intermittent catheterization or to obtain residual urine after voiding. The catheter is inserted temporarily and removed on the same day.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 51701 is: ‘Insertion of non-indwelling bladder catheter (eg, straight catheterization for residual urine)’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider prepares the patient and cleans the urethral opening with an antibiotic solution.
2. The provider positions the catheter at the urinary meatus, which is the external opening of the urethra.
3. The catheter is slowly inserted into the urethra until urine is present.
4. A balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated using sterile water and a prefitted syringe.
5. The provider gently retracts the catheter, ensuring that the balloon fits snugly at the bladder neck.
6. The catheter tube is connected to a collection bag for urine drainage.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 51701 is performed on patients who require intermittent catheterization or need to obtain residual urine after voiding. The procedure is typically performed by a healthcare provider and involves the insertion of a non-indwelling catheter into the bladder via the urethra.

5. When to use CPT code 51701

CPT code 51701 should be used when a healthcare provider performs the insertion of a non-indwelling bladder catheter for intermittent catheterization or to obtain residual urine after voiding. This code is appropriate for a single insertion procedure and should not be used for indwelling catheter placements or complex procedures.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 51701, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s condition necessitating the need for catheterization
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the catheter insertion process
• Confirmation of successful insertion and proper positioning of the catheter
• Any complications or adverse events that occurred during the procedure
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 51701, ensure that the procedure is performed by a qualified healthcare provider and that it involves the insertion of a non-indwelling bladder catheter. This code should not be reported with codes 51702 or 51703, which are used for indwelling catheter placements. It is important to follow the specific guidelines provided by the payer when submitting claims for CPT 51701.

8. Historical information

CPT 51701 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2003. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider inserts a non-indwelling bladder catheter to obtain residual urine after voiding for a patient with urinary retention.
2. A nurse performs intermittent catheterization by inserting a non-indwelling bladder catheter for a patient with neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
3. A physician inserts a non-indwelling bladder catheter to obtain a urine sample for diagnostic testing in a patient with suspected urinary tract infection.
4. A urologist performs intermittent catheterization by inserting a non-indwelling bladder catheter for a patient with bladder outlet obstruction.
5. A nurse practitioner inserts a non-indwelling bladder catheter to obtain residual urine after voiding for a patient with postoperative urinary retention.
6. A healthcare provider performs intermittent catheterization by inserting a non-indwelling bladder catheter for a patient with spinal cord injury and neurogenic bladder.
7. A physician assistant inserts a non-indwelling bladder catheter to obtain a urine sample for culture and sensitivity testing in a patient with suspected urinary tract infection.
8. A urology resident performs intermittent catheterization by inserting a non-indwelling bladder catheter for a patient with urinary incontinence.
9. A nurse inserts a non-indwelling bladder catheter to obtain residual urine after voiding for a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
10. A healthcare provider performs intermittent catheterization by inserting a non-indwelling bladder catheter for a patient with urinary retention due to bladder dysfunction.