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CPT 51600 for contrast instillation only – w/ prior catheter placement

Date: Oct 27, 2023

Question:

I have a question about billing CPT code 51600. Our provider documented “pre-existing suprapubic Foley catheter, approximately 250 cc of Cystografin was instilled by gravity drip into the urinary bladder”. In a follow-up email, the provider also stated they evaluated the anatomy post administration. Is this enough to code 51600, even if a -52 modifier is needed for us not placing the catheter? I have seen in earlier Q&As that “gravity technique is a common method of contrast instillation into the bladder”.

Question ID : 19564
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