Comprehensive List of Commonly Used Urology CPT Codes

Urology CPT Codes

Introduction

Urology is a specialized medical field dealing with disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive system. From diagnosing kidney stones to performing complex procedures like prostate surgeries, urologists rely heavily on accurate medical coding for reimbursement and compliance. CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes play a crucial role in this process — they describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic services to payers for proper billing.

However, coding for urology can be challenging due to frequent updates, overlapping procedures, and the need to link codes correctly with ICD-10 diagnoses. In this article, we’ll explore a comprehensive list of commonly used urology CPT codes, including evaluation, diagnostic, and surgical procedures — helping medical coders, billers, and urology practices ensure clean claims and maximize revenue.

Understanding Urology CPT Codes

CPT codes are maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) and are divided into three main categories:

  1. Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes – For patient consultations and office visits.
  2. Procedural Codes – For diagnostic or surgical urology procedures.
  3. Category II & III Codes – For performance measures or emerging technologies.

In urology, the coding system is diverse — covering services related to the kidneys, ureters, bladder, prostate, and male genital organs. Proper documentation and modifier use are essential to avoid denials and delays in payments.

Common Evaluation and Management (E/M) Codes in Urology

Evaluation and Management codes represent patient consultations, both new and established. Urologists frequently use these for office visits, hospital care, and consultations.

CPT Code Description
99202–99205 New patient office or outpatient visits (based on complexity and time).
99211–99215 Established patient office or outpatient visits.
99221–99223 Initial hospital care.
99231–99233 Subsequent hospital care.
99238–99239 Hospital discharge day management.
99281–99285 Emergency department services.
99354–99357 Prolonged E/M services (direct patient contact).

Tip: Urology practices must document history, examination, and medical decision-making (MDM) clearly to support the selected E/M level. Time-based documentation is often used for complex patient follow-ups.

Common Diagnostic Urology CPT Codes

Urology involves numerous diagnostic procedures, including imaging, cystoscopy, uroflowmetry, and prostate biopsies. Below is a list of key CPT codes commonly used for diagnostic purposes.

CPT Code Procedure
51701 Insertion of bladder catheter
51702 Insertion of temporary indwelling bladder catheter.
51703 Complex bladder catheterization (e.g., altered anatomy).
51725 Simple cystometrogram (CMG) with calibrated electronic equipment.
51726 Complex cystometrogram with voiding pressure studies.
51727 Complex CMG with urethral pressure profile.
51728 Complex CMG with voiding pressure and urethral pressure profile.
51729 Complex CMG with urethral sphincter electromyography.
51736 Simple uroflowmetry (non-instrumented).
51741 Complex uroflowmetry (instrumented).
51784 Electromyography (EMG) study of anal or urethral sphincter.
51785 Needle EMG of urethral sphincter.
51798 Measurement of post-void residual urine volume by ultrasound.
55700 Prostate biopsy (needle, single or multiple).
76872 Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) for prostate evaluation.

Note: Always ensure that the diagnosis (ICD-10) matches the medical necessity for each test — for example, N40.1 (Benign prostatic hyperplasia with lower urinary tract symptoms) is commonly paired with 51741 or 51729.

Common Surgical Urology CPT Codes

Urology surgical procedures range from minor interventions like vasectomy to major operations such as nephrectomy or cystectomy. Below is a categorized list of frequently used surgical CPT codes.

1. Kidney and Ureter Procedures

CPT Code Procedure
50080 Lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave for kidney stone (simple).
50081 Lithotripsy, complex.
50590 Lithotripsy (ESWL) using ultrasonic guidance.
50592 Renal biopsy (percutaneous).
50593 Ablation, renal tumor(s), unilateral, percutaneous.
50545 Laparoscopic nephrectomy (partial).
50546 Laparoscopic nephrectomy (complete).
50548 Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy.
    2. Bladder Procedures
CPT Code Procedure
52204 Cystourethroscopy with biopsy.
52224 Cystourethroscopy with fulguration of minor lesions.
52235 Cystourethroscopy with fulguration of medium-sized tumors (2.0–5.0 cm).
52240 Cystourethroscopy with fulguration of large tumor (>5.0 cm).
52281 Cystoscopy with calibration and dilation of urethral stricture.
52282 Cystoscopy with insertion of ureteral stent.
52332 Cystoscopy with insertion of indwelling ureteral stent (ureteroscopy).
52351 Cystoscopy with ureteroscopy and/or pyeloscopy; diagnostic.
52352 Cystoscopy with removal or manipulation of ureteral calculus.
52356 Cystoscopy with ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy.

3. Prostate Procedures

CPT Code Procedure
52601 Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
52648 Laser vaporization of the prostate.
52649 Transurethral resection of residual prostate tissue.
55866 Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
55840 Radical prostatectomy (retropubic).
55700 Prostate biopsy (needle).
55810 Simple prostatectomy (open).
55812 Simple prostatectomy (retropubic).

4. Male Reproductive Procedures

CPT Code Procedure
55250 Vasectomy, unilateral or bilateral.
55450 Ligation of spermatic veins for varicocele.
55530 Excision of hydrocele (unilateral).
55559 Laparoscopic repair of varicocele.
54520 Orchiectomy, simple (unilateral).
54640 Orchiopexy (unilateral).
54400 Insertion of penile prosthesis, non-inflatable.
54405 Insertion of inflatable penile prosthesis.

Modifiers Commonly Used in Urology Coding

Modifiers are crucial for accurate claims submission — they provide additional information about a procedure performed. Here are a few commonly used modifiers in urology coding:

Modifier Meaning Example Use
-25 Significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day. E/M visit with cystoscopy.
-26 Professional component (used for imaging). Interpretation of ultrasound (76872-26).
-59 Distinct procedural service (used to bypass NCCI edits). Cystoscopy and stent insertion.
-52 Reduced services. Partial completion of a planned procedure.
-76 Repeat procedure by the same physician. Repeat lithotripsy on same day.
-LT / -RT Left or right side. Unilateral procedures like orchiectomy.
-50 Bilateral procedure. Bilateral vasectomy.

Tip: Always refer to the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits to check if procedures can be billed together or need modifiers.

Coding Best Practices for Urology Billing

Urology billing can be complex due to frequent use of diagnostic and surgical procedures. Implementing best practices can help avoid denials and ensure timely reimbursements.

  1. Verify Medical Necessity: Ensure the ICD-10 diagnosis supports the CPT procedure.
  2. Use Correct Modifiers: Improper modifier usage is a common reason for claim rejection.
  3. Stay Updated: CPT codes are revised annually by the AMA; always use the latest code set.
  4. Accurate Documentation: Physicians must clearly document indications, findings, and procedures performed.
  5. Bundling Awareness: Check for NCCI edits to prevent double billing of bundled services.
  6. Leverage Technology: Use AI-powered coding tools or RCM software to minimize human errors.
  7. Outsource Urology Billing: Partnering with experts like Allzone Management Services ensures compliance, accuracy, and faster claim turnaround.

Why Choose Allzone MS for Urology Billing Services?

At Allzone Management Services, we specialize in urology medical billing and coding for private practices, hospitals, and multispecialty groups. Our team of certified coders ensures each claim is coded accurately according to CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS guidelines.

Our Expertise Includes:

  • End-to-end billing and revenue cycle management (RCM).
  • Urology-specific coding audits and compliance checks.
  • Denial management and AR follow-up.
  • Credentialing and payer enrollment support.
  • Regular coding updates and staff training.

With Allzone MS, you can focus on patient care while we handle the complexities of urology billing — improving your revenue flow and reducing claim rejections.

Conclusion

Accurate urology CPT coding is essential for ensuring proper reimbursement, compliance, and operational efficiency. With a variety of diagnostic, surgical, and evaluation procedures involved, staying updated with the correct codes and modifiers is crucial.

By following best practices and partnering with a trusted Medical billing expert like Allzone MS, urology practices can eliminate coding errors, reduce denials, and boost financial performance.