Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Removal (via snare/capture) and replacement of internally dwelling ureteral stent via percutaneous approach, including radiological supervision and interpretation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 50382 involves the removal and replacement of an indwelling ureteral stent through a percutaneous approach, which is a minimally invasive technique. This procedure is performed under radiological supervision, ensuring that the physician can visualize the internal structures of the kidney and ureter throughout the process. The term "indwelling ureteral stent" refers to a tube that is placed in the ureter to facilitate urine flow from the kidney to the bladder, often used in cases where there is an obstruction or other urinary tract issues. The use of a snare or capture device is critical in this procedure, as it allows for the effective retrieval of the existing stent. The percutaneous approach involves making a small incision in the skin, which minimizes trauma compared to open surgical methods. Radiographic guidance, including the use of contrast media and fluoroscopy, is essential for accurately navigating the anatomy and ensuring the correct placement of the stent. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who require stent replacement due to complications such as blockage, infection, or stent malfunction.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

  • Obstruction The procedure is indicated for patients experiencing urinary obstruction that necessitates the removal and replacement of a ureteral stent.
  • Stent Malfunction It is performed when the existing stent is not functioning properly, which may include issues such as blockage or migration.
  • Infection The procedure may be indicated in cases where there is an infection associated with the indwelling stent that requires replacement.
  • Routine Replacement This procedure is also indicated for the routine replacement of stents that have reached the end of their functional lifespan.

2. Procedure

  • Step 1: Skin Incision A small incision is made over the selected entry site in the kidney to access the ureteral stent. This incision is strategically placed to minimize trauma and facilitate the procedure.
  • Step 2: Needle Insertion A needle is inserted into the renal calyx, which is the part of the kidney where urine collects. The position of the needle is confirmed using radiographic guidance to ensure accurate placement.
  • Step 3: Contrast Injection and Visualization Contrast media is injected through the needle, and fluoroscopy is performed to visualize the kidney and ureter. This step is crucial for identifying the stent and assessing the anatomy.
  • Step 4: Guidewire Introduction A guidewire is introduced into the renal pelvis through the needle. Once the guidewire is in place, the needle is removed, and the tract is dilated to allow for the passage of instruments.
  • Step 5: Sheath Placement A sheath is placed over the guidewire and advanced into the renal pelvis. This sheath serves as a conduit for the subsequent instruments used in the procedure.
  • Step 6: Snare Device Passage A snare device is passed through the renal pelvis and into the ureter to capture the indwelling stent. This device is essential for retrieving the stent effectively.
  • Step 7: Stent Retraction The stent is retracted until the proximal end is exposed, allowing for easier manipulation and removal.
  • Step 8: Guidewire Placement A guidewire is placed through the partially externalized stent and positioned in the ureter, ensuring that the pathway remains open for the replacement stent.
  • Step 9: Stent Removal The existing stent is removed while leaving the guidewire in place, which is critical for the subsequent placement of the new stent.
  • Step 10: Replacement Stent Advancement The replacement stent is advanced over the guidewire, with the distal end positioned in the bladder to ensure proper drainage.
  • Step 11: Verification of Positioning The correct positioning of the replacement stent is verified radiographically to confirm that it is placed correctly within the urinary tract.
  • Step 12: Instrument Removal All surgical instruments are removed from the site, and a final set of radiographs is obtained to document the correct positioning of the stent.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Patients may be advised to maintain hydration to facilitate urine flow and reduce the risk of complications. Follow-up imaging may be required to ensure the stent remains in the correct position and is functioning properly. Additionally, patients should be educated on signs of potential complications, such as pain, fever, or changes in urinary habits, and instructed to report these to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr CHANGE URETER STENT PERCUT
Medium Descr RMVL & RPLCMT INTLY DWELLING URETERAL STENT PRQ
Long Descr Removal (via snare/capture) and replacement of internally dwelling ureteral stent via percutaneous approach, including radiological supervision and interpretation
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 111 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures of urinary tract

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

50606 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Endoluminal biopsy of ureter and/or renal pelvis, non-endoscopic, including imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy) and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
50705 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Ureteral embolization or occlusion, including imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy) and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
50706 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Balloon dilation, ureteral stricture, including imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and/or fluoroscopy) and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AG Primary physician
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"