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The CPT® Code 74485 refers to the procedure of dilation of the ureter(s) or urethra, which is performed under radiological supervision and interpretation. This procedure is essential in addressing conditions such as stenosis or obstruction within the ureter or urethra, which can lead to significant complications if left untreated. Stenosis refers to the narrowing of these tubular structures, while obstruction indicates a blockage that can impede the normal flow of urine. The procedure involves the use of imaging techniques to guide the dilation process, ensuring precision and safety. During the dilation, a cystourethroscope is utilized to navigate through the urethra and bladder into the ureter, allowing for the insertion of a guidewire. This guidewire serves as a pathway for a ureteroscope, which is then used to reach the area of the stricture. The introduction of contrast medium and subsequent X-ray imaging are critical steps that facilitate the visualization of the ureter or urethra, enabling the healthcare provider to assess the extent of the obstruction or narrowing accurately. The dilation itself may be performed using a balloon dilator or progressively larger dilators, depending on the specific requirements of the case. The comprehensive nature of this procedure, including the radiological supervision, interpretation of findings, and documentation in a written report, underscores its complexity and the necessity for skilled professionals to execute it effectively.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 74485 is indicated for specific conditions affecting the ureter(s) or urethra. These indications include:
The procedure for dilation of the ureter(s) or urethra involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure effective treatment of the identified stenosis or obstruction. The steps are as follows:
Post-procedure care following the dilation of the ureter(s) or urethra typically involves monitoring for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Patients may be advised to increase fluid intake to facilitate urine flow and reduce the risk of urinary retention. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the dilation and to monitor for any recurrence of stenosis or obstruction. It is essential for healthcare providers to provide patients with clear instructions regarding signs of complications that should prompt immediate medical attention.
| Short Descr | DILATION URTR/URT RS&I | Medium Descr | DILATION URETERS/URETHRA RS&I | Long Descr | Dilation of ureter(s) or urethra, radiological supervision and interpretation | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services | Multiple Procedures (51) | 0 - No 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) | 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 | T-Packaged Codes | ASC Payment Indicator | Packaged service/item; no separate payment made. | Type of Service (TOS) | 4 - Diagnostic Radiology | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | I1F - Standard imaging - other | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 226 - Other diagnostic radiology and related techniques |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 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. | TC | Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | 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). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| 2019-01-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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