2025 CPT code 50546
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Urinary System Surgery Feed
Laparoscopic surgical nephrectomy, including partial ureterectomy.
Modifiers may be applicable to indicate specific circumstances, such as increased procedural services (22), bilateral procedures (50), or staged procedures (58).Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the clinical condition requiring the removal of the kidney and the portion of the ureter. The documentation must show that less invasive treatments were considered or attempted but failed or were not appropriate. Supporting evidence could include imaging, lab results, and documented failed treatments.
The surgeon is responsible for the entire surgical procedure, from patient positioning and incision creation to kidney and ureter dissection, removal, and wound closure.The surgeon must also ensure appropriate patient monitoring during and after the operation.
In simple words: The doctor removes your kidney and a part of the tube that connects it to your bladder (ureter) through a few small cuts using a tiny camera and special tools. This is called keyhole surgery or minimally invasive surgery.
This code describes a procedure where a surgeon removes a kidney and a portion of the ureter using laparoscopic techniques.The surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen, inserts a laparoscope for viewing, and uses specialized instruments to dissect and remove the kidney and a section of the ureter.
Example 1: A patient with a localized kidney tumor undergoes a laparoscopic nephrectomy with partial ureterectomy to remove the cancerous kidney and a portion of the ureter., A patient with a non-functioning, infected kidney requires a laparoscopic nephrectomy, including partial ureterectomy, to remove the diseased organ and connected ureter segment., A patient with a kidney stone causing recurrent infections and blockage requires a laparoscopic nephrectomy and partial ureterectomy.
Documentation should include operative reports detailing the laparoscopic approach, the extent of the ureterectomy, the condition of the removed kidney, any intraoperative complications, and postoperative management. Diagnostic reports confirming the reason for nephrectomy, such as imaging studies or biopsy results, should also be included.
** This procedure typically involves a shorter hospital stay and recovery time compared to an open nephrectomy.
- Specialties:Urology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center