2025 CPT code 52224

Cystourethroscopy with fulguration (including cryosurgery or laser surgery) or treatment of MINOR (less than 0.5 cm) lesion(s) with or without biopsy.

Refer to CPT coding guidelines for correct application of this code and appropriate use of modifiers.

Modifiers may apply and must be documented based on specific circumstances such as increased procedural services (22), multiple procedures (51), reduced services (52), etc. Please refer to current year CPT guidelines.

Medical necessity must be established for this procedure. It's generally justified for diagnostic purposes (e.g., evaluating bladder symptoms, hematuria) or for treating minor bladder lesions. The documentation must support the need for the intervention based on the patient's condition.

The physician prepares and anesthetizes the patient, inserts the cystoscope, examines the bladder and urethra, and destroys the lesions using the chosen method. They may also collect tissue samples for biopsy and manage post-procedure care.

In simple words: The doctor uses a small, lighted tube with a camera (cystoscope) to look inside your bladder and urethra. If they find small, abnormal spots, they can remove them using different methods like electric current, freezing, or a laser. They might also take a small tissue sample (biopsy).

This code describes a procedure where a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to visually examine the urethra, prostatic urethra (in men), bladder interior, and ureteric openings. During the procedure, minor lesions (less than 0.5 cm) can be destroyed using fulguration (high-frequency electric current), cryosurgery (intense cold), or laser surgery (intense heat). A biopsy may also be performed.

Example 1: A patient presents with recurrent urinary tract infections and a small bladder lesion is discovered during cystoscopy. The physician performs fulguration to destroy the lesion., A patient with a history of bladder cancer undergoes surveillance cystourethroscopy. A small, recurrent tumor is found and treated with laser ablation., During a routine cystourethroscopy, a small, benign polyp is identified in the bladder. Cryosurgery is used to remove the polyp.

Documentation should include details of the cystoscopic examination, size and location of any lesions, method of destruction used (fulguration, cryosurgery, or laser), and whether a biopsy was performed. Pre- and post-procedure diagnoses, anesthesia type, and any complications should also be noted.

  • Revenue Code: P8E
  • Specialties:Urology
  • Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, and Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital
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