CPT 00910 – Anesthesia for Lower Urinary Tract Procedures
Descriptor:
Anesthesia for procedures on the lower urinary tract; cystoscopy and urethroscopy (including ureteral catheterization)
Key Points:
– Body Region: Lower urinary tract (bladder, urethra, cystoscopy procedures, ureteral catheterization)
– Procedure Examples: Diagnostic cystoscopy, cystoscopy with retrograde pyelogram, ureteral stent placement (via cystoscopy), urethral dilation
– Surgical Approach: Transurethral
– Typical ASA Base Units: 3
Use When:
– The procedure is within the lower urinary tract only
– No major open/percutaneous surgical approach
– Not extensive reconstruction or complex pelvic surgery
CPT 00918 – Anesthesia for Transurethral Procedures; Complicated
Descriptor:
Anesthesia for transurethral procedures; complicated (e.g., TURBT, TURP, lithotripsy, complex stent work).
Key Points:
– Body Region: Lower urinary tract
– Focus: Complexity, surgical intensity, increased physiologic stress
– Procedure Examples: TURBT, TURP, laser lithotripsy, complex stone removal
– Surgical Approach: Transurethral with major resection/complexity
– Typical ASA Base Units: 6
Use When:
– Transurethral resection or more invasive/complex surgery
– Larger tumors, prostate tissue removal, or significant stone work
Quick Differentiation Table
| Feature | 00910 | 00918 |
| Procedure Type | Diagnostic/Minor Transurethral | Complex/Resection Transurethral |
| Examples | Cystoscopy, retrogrades | TURBT, TURP, lithotripsy |
| Complexity Level | Low | High |
| Resection Component | No | Yes |
| Base Units | 3 | 6 |
| Bleeding Risk | Minimal | Elevated |
| Tumor/Stone Work | None/Minimal | Significant |
Simple Coding Rule of Thumb
If the procedure is “scope-only,” diagnostic, or minor → use 00910.
If the procedure involves resection, tumor work, lithotripsy, or is complex → use 00918.
Disclaimer:
Chart Talk: Anesthesia Coding Conversations is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared does not constitute legal, billing, compliance, or reimbursement advice. Coding, billing, and reimbursement decisions should be based on official sources such as CPT®, ICD-10-CM, ASA guidelines, payer policies, and individual facility policies, as well as the specific documentation in the medical record. Users are encouraged to consult authoritative resources and/or their compliance department for guidance applicable to their organization.
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