The procedure involves a cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy/pyeloscopy, lithotripsy for a ureteral calculus, and the insertion of an indwelling stent. CPT® code 52356 is the single, comprehensive code that accurately describes all these components. It bundles the endoscopic approach (cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy), the definitive procedure (lithotripsy), and the stent placement into one code. Using this all-encompassing code is the correct practice and avoids unbundling of services.

A. 52352 is incorrect because it describes the removal or manipulation of a calculus, not fragmentation via lithotripsy.

B. 52325 is incorrect as it does not include the ureteroscopy/pyeloscopy; the scope is not advanced into the ureter for this code.

C. This option incorrectly unbundles the procedures. The CPT® manual directs the use of 52356 when lithotripsy and stent insertion are performed together.

1. American Medical Association. (2023). CPT® 2024 Professional Edition. Section: Urinary System

Endoscopy-Ureter and Pelvis

Codes 52353

52356. The code descriptor for 52356 explicitly states

"Cystourethroscopy

with ureteroscopy and/or pyeloscopy; with lithotripsy including insertion of indwelling ureteral stent..." A parenthetical note following code 52353 instructs

"(For lithotripsy with stent insertion

use 52356)."

2. AAPC. (2023). CPC® Official Study Guide. Chapter 13: Urinary System and Male Genital System. The guide explains the hierarchy of endoscopic procedures

emphasizing the use of comprehensive codes that include all components of a procedure

such as scope

treatment

and stent placement

as seen in code 52356.