Ask Dr. Z

Dr Z, Please tell me if this situation can be coded with more than just 50387. Patient had an int/ext nephroureteral stent for an anastomotic stricture. Has a neo-bladder and ostomy bag. Patient's wife cut the external portion of the NU stent at the level of the skin and it retracted almost to the kidney. Using contrast and glidewires access was regained posteriorly through the existing tract. Ostomy bag was removed and with contrast and hemostats, the 'ureteral foreign body' was removed anteriorly. A new stent was then placed posteriorly across the ureteral anastomosis and contrast confirmed proper placement. This is not a simple replacement of a stent but we are at an impasse on the coding. Thanks so much for your help.