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Official Description

Renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service;

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 50570 involves renal endoscopy, which is a minimally invasive technique used to examine the interior of the kidney. This procedure is performed through a nephrotomy or pyelotomy, which entails making a small incision in the kidney to gain access. During the endoscopy, a renal endoscope is inserted through this incision, allowing the physician to visualize the kidney's internal structures directly. The examination may include the use of sterile saline or other solutions for irrigation, which helps to clear any debris or obstructions within the kidney. Additionally, a diagnostic or therapeutic solution may be instilled into the kidney to facilitate treatment or further evaluation. Contrast material may also be used for ureteropyelography, a separate imaging procedure that is not included in this code. It is important to note that this code does not encompass any radiologic services associated with the procedure. The overall goal of the renal endoscopy is to assess the kidney for any abnormalities, such as obstructions or other pathologies, and to provide necessary interventions as indicated.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The renal endoscopy procedure described by CPT® Code 50570 is indicated for various conditions affecting the kidney. These may include:

  • Obstruction: The procedure is performed to investigate and potentially treat blockages within the kidney that may impede urine flow.
  • Stenosis: Renal endoscopy can be utilized to assess areas of narrowing in the kidney that may lead to complications.
  • Diagnostic Evaluation: This procedure is indicated for obtaining a direct view of the kidney's internal structures to diagnose potential diseases or abnormalities.
  • Therapeutic Interventions: It may also be indicated for the instillation of therapeutic solutions to treat specific kidney conditions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 50570 involves several key steps that ensure a thorough examination and potential treatment of the kidney. The process begins with the patient being positioned appropriately, and anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. Following this, a small incision is made in the kidney, which allows access for the renal endoscope. The endoscope is then carefully inserted through the incision, enabling the physician to visualize the internal structures of the kidney. During the examination, sterile saline or another irrigation solution may be introduced to cleanse the area and enhance visibility. If necessary, a diagnostic or therapeutic solution can be instilled into the kidney to address specific conditions. Additionally, contrast material may be used for ureteropyelography, which is a separate imaging procedure that is not included in this code. After the examination and any necessary interventions are completed, all instruments are removed from the kidney. If indicated, a nephrostomy tube may be placed to facilitate drainage, and the incision is subsequently closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the renal endoscopy procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management and instructions for activity restrictions to promote healing. Patients may also be advised on signs of potential complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding, that should prompt immediate medical attention. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery and evaluate the outcomes of the procedure, ensuring that any further treatment or interventions can be addressed as needed.

Short Descr KIDNEY ENDOSCOPY
Medium Descr RENAL NDSC NEPHROTOMY W/WO IRRIGATION
Long Descr Renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service;
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) 0 - 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) P8I - Endoscopy - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 100 - Endoscopy and endoscopic biopsy of the urinary tract
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).
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.
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.)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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