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.
