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Official Description

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

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 50572 involves a renal endoscopy performed through a nephrotomy or pyelotomy, which are surgical incisions made in the kidney. This procedure allows for direct visualization and examination of the kidney's internal structures using a renal endoscope, a specialized instrument designed for this purpose. During the endoscopy, the physician may utilize various techniques such as irrigation, instillation of solutions, or ureteropyelography, although the radiologic service is not included in this code. A key component of this procedure is ureteral catheterization, which may be performed with or without dilation of the ureter. The process begins with a small incision in the kidney, through which the renal endoscope is inserted. This enables the physician to assess the kidney for any abnormalities, such as obstructions or stenosis. If any narrowing of the ureter is detected, a balloon-tipped catheter can be introduced to dilate the affected area. The procedure concludes with the removal of all instruments, and if necessary, a nephrostomy tube is placed to facilitate drainage, followed by closure of the incision. This comprehensive approach allows for both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions within the renal system.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 50572 is indicated for various conditions affecting the renal system. These may include:

  • Obstruction: The procedure is performed to evaluate and potentially treat obstructions within the ureter or kidney that may impede urine flow.
  • Stenosis: It is indicated for cases of ureteral stenosis, where the ureter is narrowed, causing complications in urinary drainage.
  • Renal Masses: The procedure may be indicated for the examination of renal masses or lesions that require further investigation.
  • Infection: It can also be performed in cases of renal infections where direct intervention is necessary.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps that ensure a thorough examination and treatment of the renal system:

  • Step 1: Incision A small incision is made in the kidney, either through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, to provide access for the renal endoscope.
  • Step 2: Insertion of Renal Endoscope The renal endoscope is carefully inserted through the incision into the kidney, allowing the physician to visualize the internal structures of the kidney.
  • Step 3: Examination The kidney is examined for any abnormalities, such as obstructions or stenosis, which may require further intervention.
  • Step 4: Ureteral Catheterization A ureteral catheter is advanced through the endoscope and into the ureter to facilitate further examination and treatment.
  • Step 5: Dilation of Stenosis If stenosis is detected, a balloon-tipped catheter is introduced to the site of the stenosis and inflated. This balloon may be deflated and inflated multiple times to adequately dilate the narrowed region.
  • Step 6: Removal of Instruments After the necessary interventions are completed, all instruments are carefully removed from the renal system.
  • Step 7: Nephrostomy Tube Placement If required, a nephrostomy tube is placed to ensure proper drainage from the kidney.
  • Step 8: Closure Finally, the incision is closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following CPT® Code 50572 involves monitoring the patient for any complications that may arise from the renal endoscopy. Patients may require observation for signs of infection, bleeding, or any adverse reactions to anesthesia. The nephrostomy tube, if placed, will need to be monitored for proper function and drainage. Patients are typically advised on activity restrictions and may be given instructions regarding pain management and signs to watch for that would necessitate immediate medical attention. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery and the effectiveness of the procedure.

Short Descr KIDNEY ENDOSCOPY
Medium Descr RNL NDSC NFROT W/URTRL CATHJ W/WO DILAT URETER
Long Descr Renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service; with ureteral catheterization, with or without dilation of ureter
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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.
Endoscopic Base Code 50570  Renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service;
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 102 - Ureteral catheterization
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
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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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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