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Official Description

Cystourethroscopy, with ureteral catheterization, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service; with brush biopsy of ureter and/or renal pelvis

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Cystourethroscopy is a medical procedure that allows healthcare professionals to visualize the interior of the bladder and urethra. This is achieved through the insertion of a cystoscope, which can be either rigid or flexible, into the urethra. Prior to the procedure, the urethra is typically cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. During the cystourethroscopy, the bladder may be filled with sterile saline, enhancing the visibility of the bladder wall for better examination. Following the inspection of the bladder, the procedure may involve catheterization of the ureters. This process includes the introduction of a guidewire through the cystoscope, which is then advanced into the first ureter and further into the renal pelvis. A catheter is subsequently advanced over the guidewire to reach the renal pelvis. At this stage, the ureter may be irrigated with normal saline, or a diagnostic or therapeutic solution may be instilled. Additionally, contrast material can be injected to facilitate ureteropyelography, which is a separate reportable service. The procedure can be performed on both ureters if necessary. In the context of CPT® Code 52007, the procedure includes the collection of tissue samples from the ureters or renal pelvis using a nylon or steel brush, which is an essential step for diagnostic purposes.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 52007 is indicated for various clinical scenarios where visualization and assessment of the bladder and ureters are necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Bladder Tumors Evaluation of suspected tumors within the bladder that require direct visualization and potential biopsy.
  • Ureteral Obstruction Investigation of obstructions in the ureters that may be causing urinary retention or other complications.
  • Hematuria Assessment of patients presenting with blood in the urine, where the source of bleeding needs to be identified.
  • Urinary Tract Infections Evaluation of recurrent urinary tract infections that may be related to anatomical abnormalities.
  • Ureteral Stones Diagnosis and management of ureteral stones that may require intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective visualization and intervention. The following outlines the procedural steps associated with CPT® Code 52007:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately, and the urethra is cleansed with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection. This preparation is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Introduction of Cystoscope A rigid or flexible cystoscope is carefully introduced through the urethra into the bladder. This instrument allows the physician to visualize the internal structures of the bladder and urethra.
  • Step 3: Bladder Filling The bladder may be filled with sterile saline to enhance visibility. This step is important as it allows for a clearer view of the bladder wall and any potential abnormalities.
  • Step 4: Ureteral Catheterization Following the inspection of the bladder, the ureters are catheterized. A guidewire is introduced through the cystoscope and advanced into the first ureter, extending through the ureter to the renal pelvis.
  • Step 5: Catheter Advancement A catheter is then advanced over the guidewire to reach the renal pelvis. This step is essential for further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.
  • Step 6: Irrigation and Instillation The ureter may be irrigated with normal saline, or a diagnostic or therapeutic solution may be instilled. This can help in flushing out any debris or for further evaluation.
  • Step 7: Ureteropyelography If necessary, contrast material may be injected to perform ureteropyelography, which is a diagnostic imaging procedure to visualize the ureters and renal pelvis.
  • Step 8: Tissue Sampling In CPT® Code 52007, tissue samples are obtained using a nylon or steel brush from the ureters and/or renal pelvis. This step is critical for histological examination and diagnosis.
  • Step 9: Completion Upon completion of the procedure, the catheter and guidewire are carefully removed, and the patient is monitored for any immediate post-procedure complications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the cystourethroscopy with ureteral catheterization and brush biopsy, patients are typically monitored for any adverse reactions or complications. Common post-procedure care may include advising the patient to drink plenty of fluids to help flush out the urinary system. Patients may experience some discomfort, such as mild pain or burning during urination, which is generally temporary. It is important to provide instructions regarding signs of complications, such as fever, excessive bleeding, or severe pain, which should prompt immediate medical attention. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss biopsy results and any further management required based on the findings of the procedure.

Short Descr CYSTO URTRL CATHJ BRUSH BX
Medium Descr CYSTO W/URTRL CATHJ BRUSH BX URTR&/RENAL PELVIS
Long Descr Cystourethroscopy, with ureteral catheterization, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography, exclusive of radiologic service; with brush biopsy of ureter and/or renal pelvis
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
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.
Endoscopic Base Code 52000  Cystourethroscopy (separate 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) P8E - Endoscopy - cystoscopy
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 100 - Endoscopy and endoscopic biopsy of the urinary tract
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.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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).
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.
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).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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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2025-01-01 Changed Short Description changed.
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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