© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
Renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, as described by CPT® Code 50576, involves a surgical procedure where a small incision is made in the kidney to facilitate direct access for examination and treatment. This procedure utilizes a renal endoscope, a specialized instrument designed to visualize the internal structures of the kidney. The endoscope is carefully inserted through the incision, allowing the physician to conduct a thorough examination of the kidney's internal anatomy. During this process, sterile saline or another suitable solution may be used for irrigation, which helps to clear any debris and improve visibility within the kidney. Additionally, a diagnostic or therapeutic solution may be instilled into the kidney to aid in treatment, or contrast material may be introduced for ureteropyelography, a separate imaging study that is not included in this code. Following the endoscopic examination, the procedure may involve the use of an electrocautery tool, which is introduced through the endoscope to destroy abnormal lesions or tissue within the kidney. The renal pelvis or calyces, which are the chambers within the kidney, may also be incised if necessary to facilitate treatment. In some cases, biopsy forceps can be utilized to obtain one or more tissue samples for further analysis. After the completion of the procedure, all instruments are carefully removed, and if required, a nephrostomy tube may be placed to ensure proper drainage from the kidney. Finally, the incision made at the beginning of the procedure is closed, completing the renal endoscopy process.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, as indicated by CPT® Code 50576, is performed for various clinical reasons. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:
The procedure for renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure effective examination and treatment of the kidney. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care following renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy involves monitoring the patient for any complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may be observed for signs of infection, bleeding, or any adverse reactions to anesthesia. Pain management is typically addressed, and patients may be advised on activity restrictions to promote healing. Follow-up imaging or assessments may be scheduled to evaluate the success of the procedure and to monitor for any recurrence of the underlying condition. Additionally, instructions regarding nephrostomy tube care, if placed, will be provided to ensure proper function and minimize the risk of complications.
| Short Descr | KIDNEY ENDOSCOPY & TREATMENT | Medium Descr | RNL NDSC NFROT FULGURATION &/INCISION W/WO BX | Long Descr | Renal endoscopy through nephrotomy or pyelotomy, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service; with fulguration and/or incision, with or without biopsy | 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 | 112 - Other OR therapeutic procedures of urinary tract |
| 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). | 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. | 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 | 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) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.