How To Use CPT Code 51797

CPT 51797 describes the procedure for voiding pressure studies, specifically intra-abdominal studies such as rectal, gastric, and intraperitoneal. 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 51797?

CPT 51797 can be used to describe the procedure for voiding pressure studies, specifically intra-abdominal studies. This code is used when a healthcare provider measures the pressure of the bladder and urine flow when a patient attempts to void urine. It is often referred to as leak point pressure and can help detect pressure obstructions in the detrusor muscle.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 51797 is: ‘Voiding pressure studies, intra-abdominal (i.e., rectal, gastric, intraperitoneal) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure).’ This code should be used in conjunction with other codes, such as 51728 and 51729.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider obtains informed consent from the patient.
2. The patient is positioned in the supine position in the operating room.
3. A transducer is placed on the patient’s abdomen to produce ultrasound waves into the bladder.
4. The returning ultrasound waves are captured to measure the voiding pressure.
5. The provider records the pressure of the bladder and urine flow as the patient attempts to void urine.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 51797 is used for patients who require voiding pressure studies, specifically intra-abdominal studies. These studies are performed to measure the pressure of the bladder and urine flow during voiding. The procedure is typically done to detect pressure obstructions in the detrusor muscle. It is important to note that this code should be used in addition to the primary procedure code.

5. When to use CPT code 51797

CPT code 51797 should be used when a healthcare provider performs voiding pressure studies, specifically intra-abdominal studies. This code is appropriate when measuring the pressure of the bladder and urine flow during voiding. It is important to use this code in conjunction with the primary procedure code and any other relevant codes for a complete urodynamic profile.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 51797, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Informed consent obtained from the patient
• Positioning of the patient in the supine position
• Placement of the transducer on the patient’s abdomen
• Measurement of voiding pressure and urine flow
• Any additional relevant information or findings

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 51797, ensure that the procedure is performed for voiding pressure studies, specifically intra-abdominal studies. This code should be listed separately in addition to the primary procedure code. It is important to use the appropriate codes for a complete urodynamic profile, such as 51729 for complex cystometrogram, UPP or VLPP, and bladder voiding pressure, 51741 for complex uroflowmetry, and 51784 for electromyography studies of anal or urethral sphincter.

8. Historical information

CPT code 51797 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been changes to the code over the years, with the most recent change occurring on January 1, 2010.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs voiding pressure studies on a patient with suspected bladder obstruction.
2. A patient undergoes intra-abdominal voiding pressure studies to assess their detrusor muscle function.
3. A healthcare provider measures the pressure of the bladder and urine flow during voiding in a patient with urinary incontinence.
4. Voiding pressure studies are performed on a patient with a history of bladder dysfunction.
5. A healthcare provider uses CPT code 51797 to bill for intra-abdominal voiding pressure studies in a patient with neurogenic bladder.
6. Voiding pressure studies are performed on a patient with recurrent urinary tract infections.
7. A healthcare provider uses CPT code 51797 to assess the detrusor muscle function in a patient with urinary retention.
8. Intra-abdominal voiding pressure studies are performed on a patient with a history of bladder cancer.
9. A patient undergoes voiding pressure studies to evaluate their bladder function after pelvic surgery.
10. A healthcare provider measures the pressure of the bladder and urine flow during voiding in a patient with overactive bladder syndrome.