How To Use CPT Code 74455

CPT 74455 describes the radiological supervision and interpretation of a voiding urethrocystography procedure. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 74455?

CPT 74455 can be used to represent the radiological supervision and interpretation of a voiding urethrocystography procedure. This code encompasses both the technical and professional components of the service. It is used to identify and diagnose abnormalities in the voiding function of the urinary tract.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 74455 is: ‘Urethrocystography, voiding, radiological supervision and interpretation.’

3. Procedure

1. In this procedure, the provider inserts a catheter through the urethra into the bladder after the patient has emptied their bladder.
2. A contrast medium is then injected into the bladder through the catheter.
3. X-ray images are taken while the bladder is full, and additional images are captured when the patient is voiding.
4. The provider assesses the images to identify any abnormalities in the voiding function, such as reflux or other urinary disorders.
5. The catheter is removed, and more voiding films are taken.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 74455 is performed when there is a need to visualize the urethra and bladder to diagnose urinary disorders. The procedure requires the insertion of a catheter and the use of a contrast medium to enhance the visibility of internal structures. Providers who perform the imaging supervision and interpretation for this procedure report this code.

5. When to use CPT code 74455

CPT code 74455 should be used when a provider performs the radiological supervision and interpretation of a voiding urethrocystography procedure. It is important to note that this code represents both the technical and professional components of the service.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 74455, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s medical history and reason for the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the use of a catheter and contrast medium
• Date and time of the procedure
• Findings from the imaging, including any abnormalities or urinary disorders
• Signature of the provider who performed the imaging supervision and interpretation

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 74455, it is important to ensure that the provider performing the service reports the appropriate code. If only the professional component is being reported, modifier 26 should be appended to the radiology code. If only the technical component is being reported, modifier TC should be appended to the radiology code. However, it is important to note that payer policies may exempt hospitals from appending modifier TC. It is also important to follow payer guidelines and policies regarding the reporting of supervision and interpretation codes.

8. Historical information

CPT 74455 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 radiologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of a voiding urethrocystography procedure to diagnose a patient with urinary reflux.
2. A urologist interpreting the X-ray images from a voiding urethrocystography procedure to assess the voiding function of a patient with urinary incontinence.
3. A radiology technician assisting a radiologist in capturing images during a voiding urethrocystography procedure to evaluate a patient with recurrent urinary tract infections.
4. A nephrologist reviewing the findings from a voiding urethrocystography procedure to determine the cause of a patient’s kidney stones.
5. A urogynecologist performing the radiological supervision and interpretation of a voiding urethrocystography procedure to assess the bladder function of a patient with pelvic organ prolapse.
6. A pediatric radiologist interpreting the X-ray images from a voiding urethrocystography procedure to diagnose a child with urinary tract abnormalities.
7. A urology resident assisting an attending physician in performing a voiding urethrocystography procedure to evaluate a patient with urinary retention.
8. A radiology technologist preparing the contrast medium for a voiding urethrocystography procedure under the supervision of a radiologist.
9. A urology nurse documenting the findings from a voiding urethrocystography procedure in the patient’s medical record for further review by the urologist.
10. A radiology administrator ensuring that the proper coding and billing guidelines are followed for the radiological supervision and interpretation of voiding urethrocystography procedures.