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Official Description

Complex uroflowmetry (eg, calibrated electronic equipment)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Complex uroflowmetry, represented by CPT® Code 51741, is a diagnostic procedure that utilizes calibrated electronic equipment to measure the rate of urine flow. This test is essential for evaluating the function of the detrusor muscle, which is the muscular wall of the bladder responsible for contracting during urination. The contraction of the detrusor muscle is crucial as it works in conjunction with gravity and increased intra-abdominal pressure to facilitate the effective emptying of the bladder. Abnormal urine flow rates can indicate various underlying conditions; for instance, a decreased flow rate may suggest poor detrusor function, which can result from neurological lesions, obstruction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy, or bladder prolapse (cystocele). Conversely, an increased flow rate may be indicative of urethral sphincter dysfunction. Unlike simple uroflowmetry, which may involve visual observation and manual timing to assess urine flow, complex uroflowmetry employs advanced electronic devices to provide precise measurements of urine flow, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the results obtained from the test.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Complex uroflowmetry (CPT® Code 51741) is indicated for the assessment of various urinary conditions and symptoms that may affect bladder function. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:

  • Detrusor Muscle Dysfunction - Evaluation of conditions that may impair the contraction of the detrusor muscle, leading to inadequate bladder emptying.
  • Obstruction - Assessment of urinary flow in patients with suspected obstruction, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy, which can impede normal urine flow.
  • Bladder Prolapse - Investigation of urinary flow issues related to bladder prolapse (cystocele), which can affect bladder function and urine expulsion.
  • Urethral Sphincter Dysfunction - Analysis of increased urine flow rates that may suggest dysfunction of the urethral sphincter mechanism.

2. Procedure

The procedure for complex uroflowmetry involves several key steps to ensure accurate measurement of urine flow. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - The patient is instructed to arrive with a full bladder and to refrain from urinating prior to the test. This preparation is crucial for obtaining a valid measurement of urine flow.
  • Step 2: Equipment Setup - Calibrated electronic uroflowmetry equipment is set up in a private and comfortable environment to ensure patient privacy and reduce anxiety during the test.
  • Step 3: Urination Process - The patient is asked to urinate into the uroflowmetry device, which captures the urine flow rate electronically. The device records the flow pattern and total volume of urine expelled.
  • Step 4: Data Analysis - The electronic equipment analyzes the data collected during urination, providing detailed measurements of flow rate, including peak flow and average flow rates.
  • Step 5: Post-Procedure Review - After the test, the results are reviewed by the healthcare provider, who will interpret the data in the context of the patient's symptoms and medical history.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for complex uroflowmetry is generally minimal, as the test is non-invasive and does not typically require recovery time. Patients may resume normal activities immediately following the procedure. However, it is important for the healthcare provider to discuss the results with the patient, including any necessary follow-up evaluations or treatments based on the findings. Patients should be advised to report any unusual symptoms or concerns that may arise after the test.

Short Descr ELECTRO-UROFLOWMETRY FIRST
Medium Descr COMPLEX UROFLOMETRY
Long Descr Complex uroflowmetry (eg, calibrated electronic equipment)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
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 STV-Packaged Codes
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 200 - Nonoperative urinary system measurements
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).
26 Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number.
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.
TC Technical component; under certain circumstances, a charge may be made for the technical component alone; under those circumstances the technical component charge is identified by adding modifier 'tc' to the usual procedure number; technical component charges are institutional charges and not billed separately by physicians; however, portable x-ray suppliers only bill for technical component and should utilize modifier tc; the charge data from portable x-ray suppliers will then be used to build customary and prevailing profiles
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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).
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.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
SU Procedure performed in physician's office (to denote use of facility and equipment)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
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).
56 Preoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the preoperative care and evaluation and another performed the surgical procedure, the preoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 56 to the usual procedure number.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
95 Synchronous telemedicine service rendered via a real-time interactive audio and video telecommunications system: synchronous telemedicine service is defined as a real-time interaction between a physician or other qualified health care professional and a patient who is located at a distant site from the physician or other qualified health care professional. the totality of the communication of information exchanged between the physician or other qualified health care professional and the patient during the course of the synchronous telemedicine service must be of an amount and nature that would be sufficient to meet the key components and/or requirements of the same service when rendered via a face-to-face interaction. modifier 95 may only be appended to the services listed in appendix p. appendix p is the list of cpt codes for services that are typically performed face-to-face, but may be rendered via a real-time (synchronous) interactive audio and video telecommunications system.
AG Primary physician
AM Physician, team member service
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GT Via interactive audio and video telecommunication systems
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
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
PN Non-excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
PO Excepted service provided at an off-campus, outpatient, provider-based department of a hospital
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
U2 Medicaid level of care 2, as defined by each state
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
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
Date
Action
Notes
2024-01-01 Changed Guideline added.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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