🩺 CPT Code 52005: Documentation & Billing Guide

Cystourethroscopy with ureteral catheterization, irrigation, instillation, ureteropyelography

Last Updated: February 2026
Status: 2025 Medicare Fee Schedule Compliant
Specialty Tags: urology endoscopy diagnostic ureteralpylography CPT medical_coding urology

Quick Reference Table

Element	Details
CPT Code	52005
Code Type	Diagnostic Procedure - Urology/Endoscopy
Procedure Type	cystourethroscopy with ureteral catheterization, ±irrigation, instillation, ureteropyelography (imaging exclusive)
Global Period	000 (Minor procedure, no global period)
Work RVU (2025)	0.52
PE RVU (2025, Non-Facility)	0.48
PE RVU (2025, Facility)	0.16
Malpractice RVU (2025)	0.04
Total RVU (2025, Non-Facility)	1.04
Total RVU (2025, Facility)	0.72
Medicare Payment (Non-Facility)	~$33.67
Medicare Payment (Facility)	~$23.31
2025 Conversion Factor	$32.35
Estimated Commercial Insurance	$350 - 1,000+
Medicaid Range (State-Dependent)	$40 - 200
Procedure Time	20-45 minutes
Place of Service	Office (11), Outpatient Hospital (22), ASC (24)
Typical Specialty	Urology, Gynecology, Internal Medicine

📋SHORT DEFINITION

CPT 52005 describes cystourethroscopy (endoscopic visualization of bladder and urethra) with passage of a catheter into the ureter for diagnostic purposes, allowing evaluation of the ureter and collecting system, with optional irrigation, instillation of medications, and/or ureteropyelography (retrograde study of the upper urinary tract). The radiologic imaging costs are NOT included in this code (“exclusive of radiologic service”).

LONG DEFINITION

Overview

CPT 52005 is a diagnostic urologic procedure combining cystoscopy (visualization of bladder and urethra) with ureteral catheterization - passage of a small catheter into the ureter to evaluate the ureteral anatomy, detect obstruction, and visualize the upper urinary tract.

Key points:

Endoscopic visualization of bladder, urethra, and ureteral orifice
Passage of ureteral catheter through ureter into collecting system
Allows diagnostic evaluation, sample collection, medication instillation
Does NOT include radiologic imaging costs (separate radiology code required if retrograde pyelography performed)
Can include irrigation and instillation of contrast or medications

Clinical Indications

1. Evaluation of Upper Urinary Tract Obstruction

Suspected ureteral obstruction (stone, stricture, mass, blood clot)
Need to determine if obstruction is complete or partial
Assess ureteral anatomy proximal to obstruction
Ureteral catheter helps delineate anatomy on retrograde pyelography

2. Ureteral Stone Management

Initial diagnostic assessment of stone (location, size, radiopacity)
Retrograde pyelography to visualize stone and surrounding ureter
Therapeutic stent placement (stent counts as separate procedure if coded separately)
Preparation for ureteroscopic removal

3. hematuria Workup - Upper Urinary Tract

Gross or microscopic hematuria of unclear etiology
Cystoscopy to evaluate bladder (rule out bladder source)
Ureteral catheterization to evaluate ureter/collecting system
Retrograde pyelography for detailed imaging of upper tract

4. Suspected Ureteral Stricture or Injury

Post-surgical ureteral injury
Post-radiation changes
Retroperitoneal fibrosis compressing ureter
Ureteral catheterization assesses degree of stricture

5. Collection of Upper Urinary Tract Specimens

Urine culture from ureter/renal pelvis (can be sterile collection)
Cytology for malignancy evaluation
Catheter-directed specimen collection

6. Instillation of Medication into Upper Urinary Tract

Chemotherapy instillation for bladder tumors with upper tract involvement
Uric acid dissolution agents for uric acid stones
Antibiotic or contrast instillation

7. Diagnosis of Upper Tract Pathology

Urothelial cancer evaluation
Transitional cell carcinoma suspected
Retrograde pyelography for tumor staging

Procedure Technique

Patient Preparation:

NPO status per anesthesia requirements (usually 2-4 hours)
Urinalysis and urine culture before procedure (document baseline)
Baseline renal function (creatinine, BUN) if dye planned
Medications: Hold aspirin, anticoagulants per protocol
Anesthesia: Usually local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia
Patient positioned supine or lithotomy
Sterile draping of genitalia

Equipment:

Cystoscope (flexible or rigid)
Light source and camera
Ureteral catheter (typically 6-7 Fr, various materials: polyurethane, silicone)
Guidewire (for difficult ureteral catheterization)
Irrigation fluid (normal saline or other)
Contrast medium (if retrograde pyelography planned)
Specimen collection containers if cultures/cytology planned

Operative Steps:

cystoscopy - Initial Bladder Survey:
- Cystoscope inserted through urethra into bladder
- Bladder emptied; filled with irrigation fluid for visualization
- Bladder mucosa inspected: Color, tumors, stones, blood, discharge
- Ureteral orifices identified (normally located posterolaterally at trigone)
- Assess ureteral orifices: Shape (golf hole vs stadium), peristalsis, patency
Ureteral Orifice Identification - CRITICAL:
- Locate ureteral orifice(s) - typically two, one on each side of trigone
- Right ureteral orifice: Usually more medial and lower
- Left ureteral orifice: Usually more lateral and higher
- Assess opening: Normal “golf hole” appearance vs dilated “stadium” appearance (suggests obstruction)
- Check for ureteral peristalsis (rhythmic contractions indicating normal ureteral activity)
Ureteral Catheterization Technique:
- Pass ureteral catheter under direct visualization through cystoscope
- Catheter advanced gently into ureteral orifice
- Resistance encountered? → Stricture or obstruction
- Catheter advanced into ureter, typically to mid-ureter or renal pelvis (distance ~20-30 cm)
- Rule of thumb: Catheter advanced until resistance met or visualized in renal pelvis on imaging
- If difficult passage → May need guidewire to facilitate catheterization
Diagnostic Activities (Depending on Indication):

A. Urine Specimen Collection:
- Urine aspirated through catheter for culture (sterile collection)
- Urine sent for culture and sensitivity
- Cytology if malignancy suspected
B. Irrigation and Observation:
- Bladder irrigated with saline; observe for appearance of urine from ureter
- Urine character noted: Clear, cloudy, bloody?
- Assess ureteral peristalsis during observation
C. Retrograde pyelography (if indicated - requires separate radiology code):
- Contrast instilled through catheter into ureter and collecting system
- Fluoroscopic imaging of upper urinary tract
- Identifies stones, strictures, tumors, other obstructions
- Radiologic imaging code (e.g., 74420) billed separately
D. Medication Instillation:
- If therapeutic: Contrast, medications, or agents instilled through catheter
- Left in contact with upper urinary tract for therapeutic effect
- Catheter withdrawn
Catheter Withdrawal:
- Catheter slowly withdrawn under visualization
- Observe ureteral orifice: Does it bleed or show trauma?
- Minor oozing expected; significant bleeding → possible perforation
Completion:
- Final bladder survey to rule out complications
- Bladder drained
- Cystoscope withdrawn
- Patient to recovery

Post-Operative:

Dysuria expected for 24-48 hours
Encourage hydration (flush the urinary system)
Antibiotics if culture positive or prophylaxis given
Monitor for signs of infection, ureteral injury
Follow-up imaging if retrograde pyelography performed

Typical Duration: 20-45 minutes (depending on catheterization difficulty, need for imaging, specimen collection)

KEY DISTINCTIONS - Similar CPT Codes

Code	Description	Catheterization	Biopsy	RVU (Work)
52005	Cystourethroscopy with ureteral catheterization	Yes, catheter passage	No	0.52
52000	Cystourethroscopy (diagnostic, separate procedure)	No catheter	No	0.36
52007	cystourethroscopy with ureteral catheterization + brush biopsy	Yes, catheter + biopsy	Yes (brush)	0.81
52204	Cystourethroscopy with biopsy (bladder biopsy, no ureteral catheter)	No	Yes (bladder)	0.58

Critical Distinctions:

52005 vs 52000: 52005 includes ureteral catheterization; 52000 is diagnostic cystoscopy only
52005 vs 52007: 52005 is catheterization/irrigation only; 52007 includes brush biopsy of ureter/renal pelvis (higher RVU: 0.81 vs 0.52)
52005 cannot be billed with TURBT codes (52224, 52234, 52235, 52240) - retrograde pyelogram is bundled into TURBT per CCI edits
52005 vs 52204: 52005 is upper tract diagnostic; 52204 is bladder biopsy (different anatomic site and indication)

RVU BREAKDOWN - 2025

Work RVU Components

Component	Value	Represents
Work RVU	0.52	Physician skill, diagnostic interpretation, decision-making
PE RVU (Non-Facility)	0.48	Cystoscope, catheters, supplies, support staff
PE RVU (Facility)	0.16	Lower in facility (hospital/ASC provides equipment)
Malpractice RVU	0.04	Malpractice insurance (minor procedure, low risk)
TOTAL (Non-Facility)	1.04	Sum of all components
TOTAL (Facility)	0.72	Lower due to reduced PE RVU

Conversion to Dollar Amount (2025 Medicare)

Formula: RVU × Conversion Factor (CF) × Geographic Practice Cost Index (GPCI) = Payment

2025 CF: $32.35

Non-Facility Calculation (GPCI = 1.0):

Work: 0.52 × $32.35 = * *$ 16.82**
PE: 0.48 × $32.35 = * *$ 15.53**
MP: 0.04 × $32.35 = * *$ 1.29**
Total = $33.67

Facility Calculation (GPCI = 1.0):

Work: 0.52 × $32.35 = * *$ 16.82**
PE: 0.16 × $32.35 = * *$ 5.18**
MP: 0.04 × $32.35 = * *$ 1.29**
Total = $23.31

Real-World Ranges (2025)

Setting	Range	Notes
Non-Facility (Office)	$30 - 40	Varies by GPCI
Facility (Hospital/ASC)	$20 - 28	Lower PE RVU
Commercial Insurance	$350 - 1,000+	10-30× Medicare; payer-dependent
Medicaid	$40 - 200	State-dependent; highly variable
Self-Pay Cash	$200 - 400	Office practices charge

2024 vs 2025 Comparison

Metric	2024	2025	Change
Work RVU	0.52	0.52	—
PE RVU (Non-Fac)	0.48	0.48	—
CF	$33.29	$32.35	-2.83%
National Average (Non-Fac)	~$34.65	~$33.67	-2.83%

GLOBAL PERIOD - 000 (Minor Procedure)

Status: 000 - No Global Period (or minimal 0-day global)

What This Means:

52005 has no global period (000 code - minor procedure)
No pre-operative or post-operative bundling
All services billed independently
Post-operative visits for unrelated conditions can be billed same day without restriction

Billing Implications:

Can bill 52005 + office visit (99213-99215) same day - No modifier needed on either code
Can bill 52005 + other procedures same day - Standard independent billing
No post-operative global restrictions - Patient can be seen for other issues immediately after without bundling
Repeat procedure (if needed within 90 days) - No global period restriction applies

DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS - CRITICAL

Pre-Procedure Assessment

History - Must Document:

Indication for procedure: Why is ureteral catheterization medically necessary TODAY?
- Hematuria workup?
- Suspected stone?
- Recurrent UTI evaluation?
- Possible obstruction?
- Upper tract surveillance (cancer, stricture)?
Symptom history: dysuria? Flank pain? Hematuria (gross or micro)? When did symptoms start?
Prior urologic history: Previous stones, strictures, obstructions, upper tract surgery?
Renal function: Recent creatinine, BUN (baseline for contrast exposure if pyelography planned)
Allergy history: Contrast allergy? Latex allergy?
Anticoagulation: On aspirin, warfarin, antiplatelet agents? (May need adjustment)

Cystoscopy Pre-Procedure Exam:

Voiding history: Normal stream? Hesitancy? nocturia? Urinary frequency?
Gross hematuria vs microscopic: Which present?
Abdominal exam: Flank tenderness? CVA (costovertebral angle) tenderness?
Baseline vital signs: BP, HR (establish baseline)

Intra-Operative Documentation - CRITICAL

Cystoscopy Findings:

Bladder mucosa: Color and appearance (normal pink vs erythematous/inflamed)
Bladder capacity: Normal, contracted, distended?
Bladder pathology: Blood, clots, tumors, stones, diverticula?
Trigone: Normal anatomy?
Ureteral orifices: Describe EACH orifice
- Right ureteral orifice:
  - Appearance (normal “golf hole” vs dilated “stadium”)
  - Peristalsis present? (rhythmic urine jets)
  - Patency assessed?
- Left ureteral orifice:
  - Appearance
  - Peristalsis?
  - Patency?

Ureteral Catheterization - CRITICAL:

Catheter passed: Yes/No
Ease of passage: Easy, difficult, required guidewire?
Resistance encountered: At orifice? Within ureter? Complete obstruction or partial?
Catheter position: How far advanced? (Distance from ureter orifice, e.g., “10 cm,” “20 cm,” “into renal pelvis”)
Laterality: Which ureter catheterized? (Right vs left - CRITICAL)
Catheter type/size: Fr size, material (polyurethane, silicone, etc.)

Diagnostic Findings (if applicable):

Ureteral urine specimen: Appearance (clear, cloudy, bloody)
- Sent for culture? Cytology?
Irrigation findings: Character of urine obtained (irrigant return clear or colored?)
Retrograde pyelography (if performed):
- Performed? Yes/No
- Findings: Stones? Strictures? Dilatation? Filling defects?
- Entire collecting system visualized?
- Contrast extravasation? (Sign of perforation)
Medication instillation: What agent? How much? How long left in contact?

Complications (if any):

Ureteral bleeding: None vs minor oozing vs significant bleeding
Ureteral perforation: Suspected? Evidence (contrast extravasation)?
False passage: Created during catheterization?
Difficulty: Any anatomic challenges (stricture, tortuous ureter)?
Other complications: Vasovagal reaction, blood pressure changes?

Catheter Withdrawal:

Catheter removed: Yes/No (or left in place if therapeutic stent placed)
Withdrawal findings: Any resistance? Trauma to orifice?
Post-withdrawal ureteral appearance: Normal? Bleeding?

End-of-Procedure:

Final bladder survey: Any new pathology noted?
Bladder drained: Yes/No (document residual urine if any)
Estimated blood loss: None to minimal
Complications: None vs specific issues
Specimens: Obtained and labeled appropriately

Post-Operative Documentation

Patient Condition:

Alert and stable on recovery
Voiding prior to discharge? (If same-day procedure)
dysuria expected vs concerning findings?

Discharge Instructions:

Hydration: Encourage oral fluids
Activity: Rest × 24 hours, avoid strenuous activity
Medications: Antibiotics (if indicated), pain management
When to call: Fever, hematuria >48 hours, inability to void, severe pain
Follow-up: When to follow up for results (culture, imaging interpretation)

COMMON MODIFIERS

Modifier	Description	Usage
-RT/-LT	Right/Left Ureter	If unilateral ureteral catheterization; clarifies which side (RT = right, LT = left)
-50	Bilateral Procedure	If bilateral ureteral catheterization same day (rare); verify payer policy
-59	Distinct Procedural Service	If 52005 billed with unrelated procedure same day (rarely needed)
-25	Sig., Separately Identifiable E/M	If comprehensive E/M performed separately from procedure; apply to E/M
-26	Professional Component Only	If billing interpretation only (imaging performed elsewhere)
-TC	Technical Component Only	If billing imaging/supplies only (interpretation billed separately)
None	Standard Billing	Routine unilateral ureteral catheterization

Important Notes:

-59 (CCI Edit Issue): 52005 bundled into TURBT codes (52224, 52234, 52235, 52240) per CCI. Cannot bill 52005 with TURBT unless distinct reason documented; use -59 with different diagnosis codes.
Bilateral: Rarely performed same day; document carefully why both ureters catheterized.
-RT/-LT: Clarifies laterality in unilateral procedures; highly recommended to document which ureter treated.

MEDICARE RULES & POLICIES

1. No Global Period - Diagnostic Procedure

52005 is 000 code; no global period
No pre-operative or post-operative bundling
Independent billing applies

2. Bundling with TURBT Codes (CCI Edit)

52005 is bundled with TURBT codes per Medicare NCCI edits:
- Cannot bill 52005 + 52224 (minor bladder tumor removal)
- Cannot bill 52005 + 52234 (small bladder tumor)
- Cannot bill 52005 + 52235 (medium bladder tumor)
- Cannot bill 52005 + 52240 (large bladder tumor)
Exception: If retrograde pyelogram is performed for reason OTHER than TURBT, can bill with -59 modifier if separate diagnosis codes justify it
- Example: TURBT for bladder tumor (ICD-10 C67.x) + retrograde for ureteral stone (ICD-10 N20.1)
- Use -59 on 52005 with different diagnosis code

3. Retrograde Pyelography Billing

52005 includes the catheter passage and diagnostic evaluation
Retrograde pyelography imaging billed separately: Radiology code (typically 74420 or 74425)
52005 code notes: “exclusive of radiologic service” → Radiologist bills imaging separately
Example coding:
- 52005 (Ureteral catheterization - surgical/procedural component)
- 74420 (Retrograde ureteropyelography - radiologic component)

4. Urine Specimen Collection

Urine specimen collection through catheter is included in 52005
Culture cost is separate (specimen processing billable by lab)
Do not bill separately for specimen collection

5. Bilateral vs Unilateral

If bilateral catheterization same day, document why both sides were necessary
May bill as:
- 52005 × 2 (some payers)
- 52005 with -50 modifier (other payers)
- Two separate lines with -RT and -LT (verification needed)
Check payer policy before billing bilateral

6. Component Separation (-26/-TC)

Rarely applicable; usually billed globally
If split between surgeon and radiologist, use modifiers:
- -26 on 52005 (physician interpretation, surgical component)
- -TC on 74420 (radiology technical component)
Ensure no duplicate billing between providers

NATIONAL & LOCAL COVERAGE

National Coverage Determination (NCD)

Status: NO specific NCD for CPT 52005 from CMS

General Medicare Coverage Policy:

Cystourethroscopy with ureteral catheterization is covered when medically necessary
Typically covered for:
- Diagnostic evaluation of hematuria (upper tract etiology)
- Upper urinary tract obstruction evaluation
- Stone disease assessment
- Stricture evaluation
- Upper tract cancer surveillance
- Therapeutic intervention support (e.g., stent placement)

Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) - MAC-Specific

LCDs vary by Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) jurisdiction

Requirement	Details
Medical Necessity	Clear indication: Hematuria, obstruction, stone disease, stricture, cancer surveillance
Imaging Correlation	Often requires imaging (ultrasound, CT) suggesting upper tract pathology before proceeding
Diagnosis Code	ICD-10 code documenting indication (hematuria, stone, obstruction, etc.)
Bundling	Check MAC rules for bundling with TURBT or other procedures
Frequency	Usually covered once per clinical problem; repeat only if new indication arises

Common ICD-10 Codes Associated with 52005:

R31.9: Hematuria, unspecified
[[N20.0]]-N20.9: Calculus of kidney and ureter (stone disease)
N13.0-N13.9: Obstructive uropathy and related disorders
N35.0-N35.9: Urethral stricture
C64-C68: Malignant neoplasm of urinary organs (surveillance)
N39.0: Urinary tract infection, site not specified
R82: Cytologic evidence of malignancy (if suspicious for urothelial cancer)

2025 MEDICARE FEE SCHEDULE

Medicare 2025 Fee Schedule Summary

Category	Value
Work RVU	0.52
PE RVU (Non-Facility)	0.48
PE RVU (Facility)	0.16
Malpractice RVU	0.04
Total RVU (Non-Facility)	1.04
Total RVU (Facility)	0.72
Conversion Factor (2025)	$32.35
National Average (Non-Facility, GPCI 1.0)	$33.67
Estimated Range (Non-Facility)	$30 - 40
National Average (Facility, GPCI 1.0)	$23.31
Estimated Range (Facility)	$20 - 28

Year-over-Year Comparison (2024 vs 2025)

Metric	2024	2025	Change
Work RVU	0.52	0.52	—
PE RVU (Non-Fac)	0.48	0.48	—
CF	$33.29	$32.35	-2.83%
National Average	~$34.65	~$33.67	-2.83%

Commercial Insurance & Medicaid (2025)

Payer Type	Estimated Range	Notes
Commercial	$350 - 1,000+	10-30× Medicare; highly payer-dependent
Medicaid	$40 - 200	State-dependent; often less than Medicare
Self-Pay	$200 - 400	Office practices typically charge

AUDIT RED FLAGS & COMPLIANCE TIPS

Red Flags for Auditors

❌ No clear indication for ureteral catheterization

Why was upper urinary tract evaluation necessary?

❌ Bundled incorrectly with TURBT

52005 billed with TURBT code without -59 modifier and separate diagnosis code

❌ Retrograde pyelography billed as included in 52005

Radiology component must be billed separately (74420 or 74425)

❌ Bilateral catheterization without justification

Documentation doesn’t explain why both ureters needed catheterization

❌ Specimen collection billed separately

Urine collection through catheter is included in 52005

❌ Diagnosis code doesn’t match indication

Code claims hematuria workup but diagnosis code is unrelated

❌ No documentation of catheter passage

Critical documentation missing on whether ureteral catheter actually passed into ureter

Compliance Best Practices

✅ Always document clear medical necessity

“Evaluate for upper urinary tract source of gross hematuria”

✅ Specify which ureter(s) catheterized

“Right ureteral catheterization; left ureter patent without obstruction”

✅ Document catheter passage technique

“Ureteral catheter passed easily into right ureter, advanced 22 cm to renal pelvis”

✅ Describe findings in detail

“Right ureteral urine specimen clear; left ureteral orifice golf-hole appearance with normal peristalsis”

✅ If TURBT performed, use -59 modifier appropriately

“52005-59 (distinct indication: ureteral stone evaluation)” if separate from bladder tumor removal

✅ Bill retrograde pyelography separately

“52005 (catheterization) + 74420 (retrograde pyelography)”

✅ Document post-procedure status

“Ureteral catheter removed without complication; mild ureteral oozing noted, resolved”

✅ Include specimen handling documentation

“Urine specimen sent for culture and urinalysis”

FAQ - COMMON QUESTIONS

Q: What’s the difference between 52005 and 52007?
A: 52005 is ureteral catheterization with irrigation/instillation only. 52007 includes brush biopsy of ureter/renal pelvis (adds sampling component). 52007 RVU is higher (0.81 vs 0.52).

Q: Can I bill 52005 with TURBT?
A: Generally NO (bundled per CCI edits). Exception: If retrograde pyelogram is for different clinical reason (e.g., stone vs bladder tumor), use -59 modifier on 52005 with separate diagnosis codes. Always verify with your MAC.

Q: Is retrograde pyelography imaging included in 52005?
A: No. 52005 includes catheter passage and diagnostic evaluation. Radiologic imaging (retrograde pyelography) is billed separately with radiology CPT code (74420 or 74425). Note on 52005: “exclusive of radiologic service.”

Q: Can I bill 52005 if catheterization is difficult and takes longer?
A: Yes; procedure billed same regardless of time. RVU accounts for complexity. If multiple attempts required, document difficulty but bill 52005 once.

Q: What’s included in 52005 vs what’s separate?
A: INCLUDED: Cystoscopy, ureteral catheterization, irrigation, instillation. SEPARATE: Retrograde pyelography (radiology code), specimen processing (lab code), stent placement (separate code if applicable).

Q: Can I bill 52005 for both ureters same day?
A: Rarely indicated clinically. If both ureters need catheterization, document clearly why. Bill as 52005 × 2 or 52005 with -50 (check payer). Most commonly only one ureter is catheterized.

Q: Do I need ICD-10 diagnosis code for 52005?
A: Yes, absolutely. Must justify medical necessity with diagnosis code (hematuria, stone, stricture, obstruction, cancer surveillance, etc.).

Q: Can I bill 52005 with office visit same day?
A: Yes. 52005 has no global period (000 code). Bill independently without modifier if separate and identifiable.

BILLING SCENARIOS & EXAMPLES

Scenario 1: Gross Hematuria Workup (Office)

Patient: 62-year-old male with gross hematuria × 2 weeks

Clinical Assessment:

Hematuria not resolved after 5 days antibiotics (presumed UTI initially)
CT KUB: No stone, normal kidneys/ureters
CBC, metabolic panel normal
Previous hematuria history: None

Indication for 52005: Rule out upper urinary tract source (stone, mass, stricture) before assuming bladder source

Procedure:

Cystoscopy: Normal bladder mucosa, no tumors, no clots
Right ureteral orifice: Normal “golf hole” appearance, peristalsis present
Left ureteral orifice: Normal, peristalsis present
Right ureteral catheterization: Passed easily, advanced 25 cm into renal pelvis
Urine specimen from right ureter: Clear, sent for culture
Left ureteral catheterization: Easy passage, specimen collected, clear
No retrograde pyelography performed
Catheters removed without complication

Coding:

52005-RT (right ureteral catheterization)
52005-LT (left ureteral catheterization) OR 52005 × 2 (verify payer)
ICD-10: R31.9 (gross hematuria, unspecified)
Medicare Payment: ~ $33.67 p ers i d e ($ 67 total if bilateral reimbursable)

Scenario 2: Ureteral Stone with Retrograde Pyelography (ASC)

Patient: 48-year-old female with flank pain and hematuria