UCR 287: Stent Removal & Replacement Codes and Bladder Cancer Maintenance ICD-10 Codes

About this episode

The episode discusses ureteral stent removal and replacement codes, as well as challenges with ICD-10 coding for bladder cancer maintenance therapy.

May 1, 2026 In this episode, Scott, Mark, and Dr. Ray Painter break down key differences between ureteral stent removal and replacement codes—50385, 50387, and 50688—highlighting how anatomy, access (internal vs. external), and the requirement for radiologic supervision drive proper code selection. They also tackle a growing issue with ICD-10 coding for bladder cancer, where the correct use of “history of” codes during BCG maintenance therapy is leading to unexpected payer denials. The disc...

People in this episode

Hosts: Scott Painter, Mark Painter, Dr. Ray Painter

Topics covered

• ureteral stent removal
• replacement codes
• bladder cancer
• ICD-10 coding
• payer denials

Keywords

• stent removal
• replacement codes
• bladder cancer
• ICD-10
• BCG therapy
• payer denials
• radiologic supervision

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ICD-10, BCG

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