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Official Description

Change of ureterostomy tube or externally accessible ureteral stent via ileal conduit

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 50688 involves the change of a ureterostomy tube or an externally accessible ureteral stent through a previously established ileal conduit. An ileal conduit is a surgical procedure that creates a passage for urine to exit the body when the bladder is not functioning properly. In this context, the physician performs the procedure by first utilizing radiographic guidance, which involves imaging techniques to visualize the internal structures during the procedure. A guidewire and sheath are introduced through the ileal conduit, allowing for the safe removal of the existing ureterostomy tube or stent. Once the old tube or stent is removed, a new one is prepared and advanced over the guidewire into the ureter, ensuring that it is correctly positioned. The use of radiographic verification is crucial in this procedure to confirm the proper placement of the new device before the guidewire is removed, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of the intervention.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for patients who require a change of their ureterostomy tube or externally accessible ureteral stent due to various clinical reasons. These may include:

  • Obstruction: The presence of a blockage in the urinary tract that necessitates the replacement of the stent or tube to restore proper urine flow.
  • Infection: The occurrence of urinary tract infections that may require the stent or tube to be changed to prevent further complications.
  • Stenosis: Narrowing of the ureter that may lead to complications, requiring the replacement of the stent or tube to ensure adequate drainage.
  • Malfunction: Any issues with the current ureterostomy tube or stent, such as leakage or dislodgement, that necessitate a change to maintain urinary function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for changing a ureterostomy tube or externally accessible ureteral stent via an ileal conduit involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: The physician begins by preparing the patient and ensuring that all necessary equipment is available. This includes the new ureterostomy tube or stent, guidewire, and sheath, as well as imaging equipment for radiographic guidance.
  • Step 2: Under sterile conditions, the physician introduces a guidewire and sheath through the previously created ileal conduit. This step is essential for accessing the ureter and facilitating the removal of the existing tube or stent.
  • Step 3: Once the guidewire and sheath are in place, the physician carefully grasps the existing ureterostomy tube or stent and removes it through the sheath. This step requires precision to avoid any injury to the surrounding tissues.
  • Step 4: After the old tube or stent is removed, the replacement tube or stent is prepared. It is then loaded onto the guidewire and advanced into the ureter. This step is crucial for ensuring that the new device is positioned correctly within the urinary tract.
  • Step 5: The physician verifies the correct positioning of the new ureterostomy tube or stent using radiographic imaging. This verification is vital to ensure that the device is functioning properly and is placed in the correct anatomical location.
  • Step 6: Once the correct placement is confirmed, the guidewire is removed, and the procedure is concluded. The physician may provide post-procedure instructions and care recommendations to the patient.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may be monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. It is important for the healthcare team to provide instructions regarding care of the ureterostomy site and signs of potential complications that the patient should watch for. Patients may also be advised on fluid intake and any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure the proper functioning of the new ureterostomy tube or stent. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential to address any issues that may arise post-procedure.

Short Descr CHANGE OF URETER TUBE/STENT
Medium Descr CHNG URTROST TUBE/XTRNLLY ACCESSIBLE STENT ILEAL
Long Descr Change of ureterostomy tube or externally accessible ureteral stent via ileal conduit
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - 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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; 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 2
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)
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).
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)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
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
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
ET Emergency services
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
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
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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
2006-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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