ureterogram

DEFINITION of ureterogram

A ureterogram is a fluoroscopic/radiographic examination in which radiopaque contrast medium is introduced into the ureter — either retrogradely (via cystoscopy and ureteral catheterization) or anterogradely (via nephrostomy tube or percutaneous access) — to opacify and visualize the full course of the ureter. It evaluates ureteral anatomy, caliber, integrity, patency, and can identify strictures, calculi, filling defects (tumors, blood clots), obstruction, fistulas, leaks, or post-surgical/traumatic changes. It is most commonly performed as a retrograde ureterogram in conjunction with retrograde pyelogram, or as an antegrade ureterogram via nephrostomy. It may be performed unilaterally or bilaterally and is frequently combined with imaging of the renal pelvis and bladder.

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ETYMOLOGY of ureterogram

greek UreterGreek ourētēr (οὐρητήρ), from ourein”To urinate”; the duct carrying urine from kidney to bladder; **-o-**Connecting vowel; -gram Greek gramma (γράμμα)“Something written or recorded” → a radiographic image Full meaning”A radiographic recording of the ureter”

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🔁 Possible Aliases / Related Terms

Term	Relationship
Retrograde ureterogram	Most common type; contrast injected upward via ureteral catheter
Antegrade ureterogram	Contrast injected downward via nephrostomy/percutaneous access
Retrograde pyeloureterogram	Ureterogram combined with opacification of the renal pelvis
IVP / IVU (Intravenous Pyelogram/Urogram)	Broader study; ureter visualized via IV contrast excretion
CT Urogram (CTU)	Modern cross-sectional equivalent; gold standard for urothelial evaluation
Nephrostogram	Contrast study via nephrostomy tube; may include the ureter
Loopogram	Contrast study of an ileal conduit; includes ureters in evaluation
Ureteropyelogram	Synonym for retrograde pyeloureterogram
fluoroscopy, ureter	Procedural descriptor in ICD-10-PCS

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🏥 ICD-10-PCS Codes/CPT Codes (Inpatient)

Section B - Imaging | Body System T - Urinary System | Root Type 1 - Fluoroscopy

Ureter Only:

Code	Description
BT160ZZ	Fluoroscopy of Right Ureter using High Osmolar Contrast
BT161ZZ	Fluoroscopy of Right Ureter using Low Osmolar Contrast
BT16YZZ	Fluoroscopy of Right Ureter using Other Contrast
BT16ZZZ	Fluoroscopy of Right Ureter (no contrast specified)
BT170ZZ	Fluoroscopy of Left Ureter using High Osmolar Contrast
BT171ZZ	Fluoroscopy of Left Ureter using Low Osmolar Contrast
BT17YZZ	Fluoroscopy of Left Ureter using Other Contrast
BT17ZZZ	Fluoroscopy of Left Ureter (no contrast specified)

Ureter with Kidney and Bladder:

Code	Description
BT1D0ZZ	Fluoroscopy of Right Kidney, Ureter and Bladder using High Osmolar Contrast
BT1D1ZZ	Fluoroscopy of Right Kidney, Ureter and Bladder using Low Osmolar Contrast
BT1DYZZ	Fluoroscopy of Right Kidney, Ureter and Bladder using Other Contrast
BT1DZZZ	Fluoroscopy of Right Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (no contrast)
BT1F0ZZ	Fluoroscopy of Left Kidney, Ureter and Bladder using High Osmolar Contrast
BT1FYZZ	Fluoroscopy of Left Kidney, Ureter and Bladder using Other Contrast
BT1FZZZ	Fluoroscopy of Left Kidney, Ureter and Bladder (no contrast)
BT140ZZ	Fluoroscopy of Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder using High Osmolar Contrast
BT141ZZ	Fluoroscopy of Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder using Low Osmolar Contrast
BT14YZZ	Fluoroscopy of Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder using Other Contrast
BT14ZZZ	Fluoroscopy of Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder (no contrast)
BT1GZZZ	Fluoroscopy of Ileal Loop, Ureters and Kidneys (loopogram)
BT1GYZZ	Fluoroscopy of Ileal Loop, Ureters and Kidneys using Other Contrast

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🔧 CPT Codes (Outpatient/Professional Reference)

Code	Description
74420	Urography, retrograde, with or without KUB
74425	Urography, antegrade (via nephrostomy/pyelostomy catheter or via percutaneous route)
74400	Urography (pyelography), intravenous, with or without KUB, with or without tomography
74450	Urethrocystography, retrograde (if combined with lower tract)

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📝 Inpatient Coder Notes

• Contrast type matters for ICD-10-PCS: always verify the operative/radiology report for high osmolar, low osmolar, or other contrast to select the correct 6th character.
• A retrograde ureterogram performed during the same encounter as cystoscopy will typically require separate ICD-10-PCS codes for both the endoscopy (inspection) and the fluoroscopy.
• If performed via nephrostomy tube, the approach character in PCS is percutaneous (3) — but for fluoroscopy codes in the Imaging section (Section B), the 5th character is body part qualifier, not approach — just confirm laterality and contrast.
• Loopogram (BT1GZZZ / BT1GYZZ) is your go-to for ileal conduit patients, which you’ll commonly see in your urology cases.

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DERIVATIONS of ureterogram

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Query functionality

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Med roots Appendix A Prefixes Appendix B Combining Forms Appendix C Suffixes Appendix D Suffix forms