Question:
Was code 50395 deleted? If so, are there new codes that replaced 50395 for 2022?
Answer:
Yes, code 50395 was deleted and two new codes were added to report access for subsequent endourologic procedures. Code 50436 is reported when there is an existing nephrostomy tube or nephroureteral catheter and that tract is enlarged by the radiologist to allow the surgeon to use larger instruments during an endourologic procedure, such as a kidney stone removal. When there is no existing nephrostomy tube or nephroureteral catheter and the radiologist must create the access as well as dilating the tract for the surgeon, code 50437 is reported instead of 50436. Codes 50436 and 50437 include the S&I component as well as imaging guidance and contrast injection.
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