2025 CPT code 50694
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Urinary System Surgery Feed
Percutaneous placement of a ureteral stent; new access, without separate nephrostomy catheter.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure.For example, modifier 59 (distinct procedural service) may be used if additional procedures are performed, or other modifiers as deemed necessary by payer guidelines and clinical circumstances.
Medical necessity for a percutaneous ureteral stent is established by the presence of an obstructing lesion (e.g., stone, stricture, tumor) in the ureter causing hydronephrosis or other clinically significant urinary tract compromise.The procedure should be considered medically necessary when less invasive measures have failed or are contraindicated.
Urologist or other qualified physician specializing in urinary tract procedures.Responsibilities include patient assessment,procedure planning (including imaging),percutaneous access creation, stent placement, imaging interpretation, and post-procedure care.
In simple words: A thin tube (stent) is placed inside the ureter (tube carrying urine from kidney to bladder) to keep it open.A new entry point is made in the skin using ultrasound or x-ray guidance. No other tubes are placed during the procedure.
This CPT code encompasses the percutaneous placement of a ureteral stent via a new access site, without the simultaneous placement of a separate nephrostomy catheter.The procedure includes the creation of the access, stent placement,diagnostic nephrostogram and/or ureterogram (if performed), imaging guidance (ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy), and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation.
Example 1: A patient presents with a ureteral stricture causing hydronephrosis.A percutaneous ureteral stent is placed to relieve the obstruction and improve urine drainage., A patient with a history of kidney stones develops a ureteral obstruction.A percutaneous ureteral stent is placed to relieve the obstruction and facilitate stone passage or future intervention., A patient undergoes a pelvic surgery and subsequently develops a ureteral injury.A percutaneous ureteral stent is placed to maintain ureteral patency.
* Detailed history and physical examination focusing on the urinary system.* Pre-procedure imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, ultrasound) to delineate the location of the obstruction and guide the percutaneous access.* Operative report detailing the technique used for percutaneous access, stent placement, and any imaging performed.* Post-procedure imaging to confirm stent placement and assess for complications.* Follow-up notes documenting stent function and patient recovery.
** This procedure may be performed under various levels of anesthesia, depending on the patient's clinical status and the preference of the physician.Always refer to the most current CPT codebook and payer guidelines for accurate coding and reimbursement.
- Revenue Code: P6C (Medicare Fee Schedule: MINOR PROCEDURES - OTHER)
- RVU: The RVUs for this code are not provided in the source but vary based on several factors, including geographic location and facility type. Consult the AMA CPT codebook or your local payer's fee schedule for current RVU values.
- Global Days: The global period is not specified in the provided text but should be determined by payer-specific guidelines and local practice.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable. This code does not have a technical component (TC).
- Fee Schedule: Historical fee schedules are not provided; refer to the AMA CPT codebook or your local payer's fee schedule for historical data.
- Specialties:Urology, Radiology
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center