Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy; with treatment of ureteropelvic junction stricture (eg, balloon dilation, laser, electrocautery, and incision)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure utilized to address ureteral strictures, specifically focusing on the ureteropelvic junction stricture. This procedure involves the use of an ureteroscope, a specialized instrument that is inserted through the urethra into the bladder and subsequently advanced into the ureter. The primary objective of this intervention is to directly visualize the ureter and the stricture site, allowing for precise treatment options such as balloon dilation, laser therapy, electrocautery, or surgical incision. The ureteroscope facilitates the passage of guidewires, which are essential for the effective treatment of the stricture. By employing these techniques, healthcare providers can alleviate the obstruction caused by the stricture, thereby restoring normal urinary flow and function. This procedure is particularly indicated for patients experiencing symptoms related to ureteral strictures, ensuring a targeted approach to their management.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy is indicated for the treatment of specific urinary tract conditions, particularly those involving strictures. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Ureteral Stricture A narrowing of the ureter that can obstruct urine flow.
  • Ureteropelvic Junction Stricture A specific type of stricture located at the junction where the ureter meets the renal pelvis, which can impede the passage of urine from the kidney to the ureter.
  • Intra-renal Stricture A narrowing within the renal pelvis that may also affect urine drainage.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the ureteropelvic junction stricture. Each step is designed to facilitate the visualization and treatment of the stricture:

  • Step 1: Ureteroscope Insertion The procedure begins with the insertion of the ureteroscope through the urethra into the bladder. This allows the physician to access the ureter and visualize the stricture directly.
  • Step 2: Advancement to the Ureteropelvic Junction Once in the bladder, the ureteroscope is advanced into the ureter until it reaches the upper ureter, specifically the ureteropelvic junction. This step is crucial for identifying the exact location of the stricture.
  • Step 3: Guidewire Passage A guidewire is then passed through the stricture at the ureteropelvic junction. This guidewire serves as a pathway for subsequent treatment modalities.
  • Step 4: Treatment of the Stricture The stricture is treated using one of several methods: if a balloon catheter is utilized, it is advanced over the guidewire, inflated at the site of the narrowing, deflated, and then removed. Alternatively, if laser treatment is indicated, a laser fiber is passed to the stricture site and activated to incise the narrowed area. Electrocautery or surgical incision may also be performed via the ureteroscope to effectively open the narrowed area.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy, patients may require monitoring for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care typically includes instructions for hydration to facilitate urine flow and reduce the risk of complications such as infection. Patients may also be advised to monitor for any signs of urinary obstruction or infection, such as fever, chills, or changes in urinary patterns. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the success of the procedure and to determine if further interventions are necessary.

Short Descr CYSTO/URETERO W/UP STRICTURE
Medium Descr CYSTO W/URTROSCOPY W/TX URTROPEL JUNCT STRIX
Long Descr Cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy; with treatment of ureteropelvic junction stricture (eg, balloon dilation, laser, electrocautery, and incision)
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) 0 - 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 52351  Cystourethroscopy, with ureteroscopy and/or pyeloscopy; diagnostic
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8E - Endoscopy - cystoscopy
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 101 - Transurethral excision, drainage, or removal urinary obstruction
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).
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).
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.
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.)
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.)
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)
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
Date
Action
Notes
2001-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2001.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"