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Official Description

Change of cystostomy tube; complicated

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 51710 refers to the change of a cystostomy tube that is classified as complicated. A cystostomy tube is a catheter that is inserted into the bladder through the abdominal wall, allowing for the drainage of urine. This procedure is necessary to replace an existing cystostomy tube that may have become obstructed or encrusted over time, which can lead to complications if not addressed. The term 'complicated' indicates that the procedure may involve additional challenges, such as altered anatomy in the patient or the presence of adhesions that have formed between the tube and the surrounding tissues. These factors can complicate the removal of the old tube and the placement of a new one. The process typically involves the use of a guidewire to facilitate the insertion of the new tube, ensuring that it is correctly positioned within the bladder. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions, and imaging guidance may be utilized to enhance accuracy during the tube change. It is important to differentiate this procedure from a simple tube change, which is coded separately under CPT® Code 51705, reserved for cases without such complications.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure for changing a cystostomy tube, specifically under CPT® Code 51710, is indicated in several scenarios where complications may arise. These include:

  • Altered Anatomy The patient may have anatomical changes that complicate the standard procedure for tube replacement, necessitating a more intricate approach.
  • Adhesions The existing cystostomy tube may have adhered to the cystostomy tunnel, making removal more challenging and requiring careful handling during the procedure.
  • Encrustation The tube may have developed encrustation, which can obstruct urine flow and lead to infection or other complications if not replaced.

2. Procedure

The procedure for changing a cystostomy tube classified as complicated involves several detailed steps:

  • Step 1: Insertion of Guidewire The procedure begins with the insertion of a guidewire through the existing cystostomy tube. This guidewire serves as a pathway for the new tube, ensuring proper placement within the bladder.
  • Step 2: Removal of Purse-String Suture Once the guidewire is in place, the physician removes the purse-string suture that secures the existing catheter. This step is crucial as it allows for the safe removal of the old tube without causing damage to the surrounding tissue.
  • Step 3: Removal of Existing Tube The existing cystostomy tube is then carefully removed. This step may require additional caution if there are adhesions or if the tube is encrusted, as these factors can complicate the removal process.
  • Step 4: Insertion of New Tube After the old tube is removed, a new cystostomy tube is passed over the guidewire and into the bladder. This ensures that the new tube is correctly positioned for optimal function.
  • Step 5: Securing the New Tube Finally, the new cystostomy tube is secured in place with a purse-string suture. This step is essential to prevent displacement of the tube and to maintain its position within the bladder.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the change of a complicated cystostomy tube includes monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper tube placement. Patients may require follow-up imaging to ensure that the new tube is functioning correctly and that there are no obstructions. Additionally, instructions regarding the care of the new cystostomy tube, including hygiene practices and signs of potential complications, should be provided to the patient. Regular follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess the condition of the tube and the surrounding tissue, ensuring ongoing health and function.

Short Descr CHANGE OF BLADDER TUBE
Medium Descr CHANGE CYSTOSTOMY TUBE COMPLICATED
Long Descr Change of cystostomy tube; complicated
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 111 - Other non-OR therapeutic procedures of urinary tract
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
AG Primary physician
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
AM Physician, team member service
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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