How To Use CPT Code 52282

CPT 52282 describes the insertion of a permanent urethral stent during a cystourethroscopy procedure. 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 52282?

CPT 52282 involves the insertion of a permanent urethral stent during a cystourethroscopy procedure. This code is used when a healthcare provider uses a cystoscope to inspect the interior of the bladder, urethra, prostatic urethra, and ureteric openings. The provider then dilates a urethral stricture and inserts a stent to keep the urethra open.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 52282 is: ‘Cystourethroscopy, with insertion of permanent urethral stent.’

3. Procedure

1. After administering anesthesia, the healthcare provider passes a well-lubricated cystoscope through the urethral meatus into the urethra and bladder.
2. If necessary, the provider may use a filiform and followers to calibrate and dilate a urethral stricture.
3. The provider then inserts a permanent stent through the cystoscope, leaving it in place to keep the urethra open.
4. The provider examines the bladder and, once the procedure is complete, removes the cystoscope.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 52282 is performed on patients with urethral strictures or obstructions that require the insertion of a permanent urethral stent. This procedure is typically used for recurrent bulbar urethral stenoses or strictures, or for prostatic obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

5. When to use CPT code 52282

CPT code 52282 should be used when a healthcare provider performs a cystourethroscopy and inserts a permanent urethral stent. It is important to note that this code should not be used for the placement of temporary prostatic urethral stents, which is represented by a different CPT code (53855).

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 52282, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis necessitating the insertion of a permanent urethral stent
• Details of the cystourethroscopy procedure, including the use of a cystoscope and any additional instruments
• Date of the procedure
• Start and end time of the procedure
• Specific details of the stent insertion, including the type of stent used
• Any complications or additional procedures performed
• Signature of the healthcare provider performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 52282, ensure that the procedure involves the insertion of a permanent urethral stent during a cystourethroscopy. It is important to follow the specific guidelines and requirements set by the payer. Additionally, consider any applicable modifiers that may be necessary for accurate billing.

8. Historical information

CPT 52282 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1998. The code was later changed on January 1, 2010, to its current description.

9. Examples

1. A urologist performing a cystourethroscopy and inserting a permanent urethral stent for a patient with recurrent bulbar urethral strictures.
2. A healthcare provider using a cystoscope to inspect the bladder and urethra, dilating a urethral stricture, and inserting a permanent stent for a patient with prostatic obstruction secondary to BPH.
3. A urologist performing a cystourethroscopy and inserting a permanent urethral stent for a patient with recurrent urethral strictures caused by trauma.
4. A healthcare provider using a cystoscope to examine the bladder, dilating a urethral stricture, and inserting a permanent stent for a patient with recurrent bulbar urethral stenoses.
5. A urologist performing a cystourethroscopy and inserting a permanent urethral stent for a patient with recurrent urethral strictures caused by infection.
6. A healthcare provider using a cystoscope to inspect the bladder and urethra, dilating a urethral stricture, and inserting a permanent stent for a patient with prostatic obstruction secondary to prostate cancer.
7. A urologist performing a cystourethroscopy and inserting a permanent urethral stent for a patient with recurrent bulbar urethral strictures caused by radiation therapy.
8. A healthcare provider using a cystoscope to examine the bladder, dilating a urethral stricture, and inserting a permanent stent for a patient with recurrent urethral strictures caused by inflammatory conditions.
9. A urologist performing a cystourethroscopy and inserting a permanent urethral stent for a patient with recurrent bulbar urethral stenoses caused by iatrogenic injury.
10. A healthcare provider using a cystoscope to inspect the bladder and urethra, dilating a urethral stricture, and inserting a permanent stent for a patient with prostatic obstruction secondary to bladder outlet obstruction.