ZHealth Coding Newsletter - August 2013

Q & A with Dr. David Zielske

Question: 

Changing a NUS to a PCN

Hello - there seems to be some confusion on how to code when a nephroureteral stent (NUS) is exchanged to a percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). Can you please tell me what is appropriate to code for a NUS to PCN exchange? Do we code for a PCN exchange 50398/75984 or do we code for a PCN placement 50392/74475 with modifier -52 appended?