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Ureteral endoscopy through ureterotomy, as described by CPT® Code 50970, involves a surgical procedure where an incision is made in the ureter to facilitate direct visualization and intervention within the ureteral lumen. This procedure is essential for diagnosing and treating various ureteral conditions. The ureter, which is the duct that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, can be affected by obstructions, strictures, or other abnormalities that may impede urine flow. By performing an endoscopy through a ureterotomy, healthcare professionals can inspect the ureter for any pathological changes. During this procedure, the ureteroscope—a specialized instrument designed for this purpose—is introduced through the small incision made in the ureter. The endoscopic examination allows for the identification of issues such as stenosis (narrowing of the ureter), stricture (abnormal narrowing), or other obstructive conditions. Additionally, the procedure may include the irrigation of the ureter with normal saline or the instillation of diagnostic or therapeutic solutions to aid in treatment. Furthermore, contrast material may be injected to perform ureteropyelography, a diagnostic imaging technique that provides detailed visualization of the urinary tract. This comprehensive approach not only aids in diagnosis but also allows for potential therapeutic interventions during the same procedure, enhancing patient care and outcomes.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
Ureteral endoscopy through ureterotomy is indicated for a variety of conditions affecting the ureter. The following are explicitly provided indications for this procedure:
The procedure for ureteral endoscopy through ureterotomy involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure effective diagnosis and treatment:
Post-procedure care following ureteral endoscopy through ureterotomy typically involves monitoring for any complications such as bleeding or infection. Patients may be advised to maintain hydration to promote urine flow and assist in the healing process. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery and ensure that the ureter is functioning properly after the procedure. Additional imaging or diagnostic tests may be required to evaluate the success of the intervention and to monitor for any recurrence of the initial condition.
| Short Descr | URETER ENDOSCOPY | Medium Descr | URETERAL ENDOSCOPY VIA URETEROTOMY W/O IMAGING | Long Descr | Ureteral endoscopy through ureterotomy, 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 | 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) | P8I - Endoscopy - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 100 - Endoscopy and endoscopic biopsy of the urinary tract |
| 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. | 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). | 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.) | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 82 | Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | 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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