2025 CPT code 50972
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Urinary System Feed
Ureteral endoscopy through ureterotomy, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service; with ureteral catheterization, with or without dilation of ureter.
Modifiers may be applicable. Refer to current CPT guidelines for appropriate modifier usage.
Medical necessity must be established by documenting the patient's symptoms, diagnostic findings, and the rationale for performing the ureteral endoscopy through ureterotomy. The documentation should support that less invasive procedures are not appropriate or have been unsuccessful.
The physician performs the ureterotomy, inserts the endoscope and catheter, performs the examination of the kidney, renal pelvis, and ureters, and may perform ureteral dilation if necessary.The physician is responsible for closing the incision and inserting a drainage tube.
In simple words: The doctor looks inside your kidney, renal pelvis, and ureters using a small camera on a thin tube (endoscope). They make a small cut in your ureter to insert the endoscope.A small tube (catheter) is also placed in the ureter to drain urine.The ureter might be widened during the procedure if needed.This procedure is often used to remove kidney stones.
The provider examines the kidney, renal pelvis, and ureters by incising the ureter and passing an endoscope through it to view the structures. The procedure includes ureteral catheterization and may include ureteral dilation (widening of the ureter). It is often performed for the removal of ureteral stones.The provider incises the patient’s flank (side), incises the ureter, and passes an endoscope and a catheter through it. The endoscope is passed into the kidney and/or renal pelvis.The provider may irrigate the area with saline or instill fluid. Contrast material may be introduced for a ureteropyelogram. The ureter may be dilated using an inflated balloon if necessary. After the procedure, the provider sutures the ureter incision, inserts a drainage tube, and closes the wound.
Example 1: A patient presents with a large ureteral stone obstructing urine flow.Ureteral endoscopy through ureterotomy (50972) is performed to remove the stone and ensure proper drainage., A patient has recurrent urinary tract infections and imaging suggests a possible ureteral stricture.50972 is performed to evaluate the ureter and dilate any strictures if found., A patient has a history of ureteral trauma and now experiences flank pain.50972 is performed to assess the ureter for damage and to remove any small stones or debris that may have accumulated.
Documentation should include details of the ureterotomy, endoscopic findings, any procedures performed (such as dilation, irrigation, or instillation), the size and location of any stones removed, and the final condition of the ureter. Operative report and imaging studies should be documented as appropriate.
- Specialties:Urology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital