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Official Description

Injection procedure for antegrade nephrostogram and/or ureterogram, complete diagnostic procedure including imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and fluoroscopy) and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation; existing access

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 50431 refers to an injection procedure for an antegrade nephrostogram and/or ureterogram. This complete diagnostic procedure is performed to visualize the kidney and/or ureter, allowing healthcare professionals to detect potential urinary tract obstructions that may be caused by various factors such as strictures, stones, blood clots, or tumors. Additionally, this procedure is utilized to assess the function of the kidney and ureter, particularly before or after surgical interventions. When a nephrostomy or pyelostomy tube is already in place, the antegrade nephrostogram and/or ureterogram can be performed to evaluate the patency of the tube, checking for any blockages or leaks. The procedure involves the use of imaging guidance techniques, such as ultrasound and fluoroscopy, to ensure accurate placement and visualization. The injection of contrast dye is a critical component, as it enhances the visibility of the urinary tract during imaging. This procedure is comprehensive, encompassing all necessary radiological supervision and interpretation, and is specifically designed for cases where access to the urinary tract already exists.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The antegrade nephrostogram and/or ureterogram procedure is indicated for several specific conditions and diagnostic purposes, including:

  • Urinary Tract Obstruction - This procedure is performed to visualize and identify obstructions in the urinary tract caused by strictures, stones, blood clots, or tumors.
  • Assessment of Kidney and Ureter Function - It is utilized to evaluate the functional status of the kidney and ureter, particularly before or after surgical treatments.
  • Evaluation of Existing Nephrostomy or Pyelostomy Tubes - The procedure is indicated to check for tube patency, blockage, or leakage when a nephrostomy or pyelostomy tube is already in place.

2. Procedure

The procedure for an antegrade nephrostogram and/or ureterogram involves several critical steps to ensure accurate imaging and diagnosis:

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning - The patient is positioned in a prone position to facilitate access to the urinary tract. This positioning is essential for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 2: Anesthesia Administration - A local anesthetic is injected at the site of access to minimize discomfort during the procedure. This step is crucial for patient comfort and cooperation.
  • Step 3: Needle Insertion - A needle is carefully inserted and advanced towards the ureter or renal pelvis under ultrasound and/or fluoroscopic guidance. This imaging guidance is vital for accurate placement and to avoid complications.
  • Step 4: Contrast Injection - Once the needle is correctly positioned, contrast dye is injected to enhance the visibility of the urinary tract during imaging. This step allows for the assessment of the urinary tract's structure and function.
  • Step 5: Imaging Acquisition - A series of X-rays are taken to visualize the movement of the contrast dye through the urinary tract. This imaging is critical for diagnosing any obstructions or abnormalities.
  • Step 6: Catheter or Nephrostomy Tube Placement (if indicated) - If necessary, a thin wire may be threaded through the needle to facilitate the placement of a catheter or nephrostomy tube. The needle and wire are then removed after placement.
  • Step 7: Completion of Procedure - If the placement of a catheter or tube is not indicated, the needle is simply removed after the imaging is completed. If an existing access is used, the tube and surrounding skin are cleaned with an antibacterial solution, and contrast is injected through the catheter/tube, followed by additional imaging.
  • Step 8: Post-Procedure Management - At the conclusion of the study, the catheter/tube may be plugged or connected to drainage, depending on the clinical situation and the findings from the imaging.

3. Post-Procedure

After the antegrade nephrostogram and/or ureterogram procedure, patients may require specific post-procedure care. This includes monitoring for any signs of complications such as infection or bleeding at the access site. Patients should be advised on the importance of hydration to help flush the contrast dye from their system. Follow-up imaging or assessments may be necessary to evaluate the findings from the procedure and to determine if further interventions are required. Additionally, instructions regarding the care of any existing nephrostomy or pyelostomy tubes should be provided to ensure proper management and to prevent complications.

Short Descr NJX PX NFROSGRM &/URTRGRM
Medium Descr NJX PX ANTEGRDE NFROSGRM &/URTRGRM EXSTNG ACESS
Long Descr Injection procedure for antegrade nephrostogram and/or ureterogram, complete diagnostic procedure including imaging guidance (eg, ultrasound and fluoroscopy) and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation; existing access
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 T-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) I1F - Standard imaging - other
MUE 2

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)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left 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).
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.
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
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
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
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2016-01-01 Added Added
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