How To Use CPT Code 51729

CPT 51729 describes the procedure for a complex cystometrogram along with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies. 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 51729?

CPT 51729 can be used to describe the procedure for a complex cystometrogram along with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies. This code is used when a provider performs a graphical recording of urinary bladder pressure with different volumes of urine in the bladder, while also obtaining rectal pressure using a manometer. The provider measures bladder pressure, urethral pressure, and voiding pressure to diagnose urinary disorders such as overactive bladder, stress incontinence, or urinary obstruction.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 51729 is: ‘Complex cystometrogram (ie, calibrated electronic equipment); with voiding pressure studies (ie, bladder voiding pressure) and urethral pressure profile studies (ie, urethral closure pressure profile), any technique.’

3. Procedure

1. A provider performs a complex cystometrogram using calibrated electronic equipment to record urinary bladder pressure with different volumes of urine in the bladder.
2. The provider uses a transurethral catheter to fill the bladder with sterile water and measures the bladder pressure to detect bladder spasms or spontaneous contractions.
3. Rectal pressure is obtained using a manometer to compare with bladder pressure.
4. Urethral pressure profile studies are performed by withdrawing the catheter from the bladder into the urethra and asking the patient to perform a task, such as coughing, to measure any urine leakage, which indicates stress urinary incontinence.
5. Voiding pressure studies are performed by measuring the bladder pressure while the patient is voiding to detect any drop in voiding pressure, which indicates a bladder obstruction.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to undergo CPT 51729 are those with suspected urinary disorders such as overactive bladder, stress incontinence, or urinary obstruction. The procedure is performed by a provider using calibrated electronic equipment and any technique to measure bladder voiding pressure and urethral closure pressure profile. The provider may use a transurethral catheter and a manometer to obtain bladder and rectal pressure measurements.

5. When to use CPT code 51729

CPT code 51729 should be used when a provider performs a complex cystometrogram along with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies using calibrated electronic equipment. This code is appropriate for diagnosing urinary disorders such as overactive bladder, stress incontinence, or urinary obstruction. It should not be used for other urodynamic procedures on the bladder.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 51729, the provider must document the following information:

• Reason for performing the procedure and suspected urinary disorder
• Details of the complex cystometrogram, including the use of calibrated electronic equipment
• Method used to measure bladder voiding pressure and urethral closure pressure profile
• Date and duration of the procedure
• Results of the bladder pressure, urethral pressure, and voiding pressure measurements
• Any additional findings or observations during the procedure
• Signature of the provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 51729, ensure that the procedure is performed using calibrated electronic equipment and includes voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies. Do not report CPT 51729 with other codes unless specified by specific circumstances. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the payer and use appropriate modifiers if necessary.

8. Historical information

CPT 51729 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2010. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider performs a complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies to diagnose an overactive bladder in a female patient.
2. A urologist uses calibrated electronic equipment to perform a complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies to evaluate stress incontinence in a male patient.
3. A provider performs a complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies to assess urinary obstruction in a female patient.
4. A urogynecologist uses calibrated electronic equipment to perform a complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies to diagnose an overactive bladder in a male patient.
5. A provider performs a complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies to evaluate stress incontinence in a female patient.
6. A urologist uses calibrated electronic equipment to perform a complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies to assess urinary obstruction in a male patient.
7. A provider performs a complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies to diagnose an overactive bladder in a female patient.
8. A urogynecologist uses calibrated electronic equipment to perform a complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies to evaluate stress incontinence in a male patient.
9. A provider performs a complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies and urethral pressure profile studies to assess urinary obstruction in a female patient.