Summary & Overview
CPT 50722: Ureteral Decompression for Ovarian Vein Compression
CPT code 50722 designates surgical release of a ureter compressed by a dilated ovarian vein (ureterolysis/vascular decompression). This procedure addresses extrinsic ureteral obstruction that can cause flank pain, hydronephrosis, or impaired renal drainage. Nationally, the code matters because it captures care for a relatively uncommon but clinically significant cause of obstructive uropathy that may shift between inpatient and outpatient surgical settings depending on severity and comorbidity.
Key payers in the analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find clinical context for when the procedure is used, expected sites of service, and operational considerations for claims submission. The publication outlines typical billing and coding considerations, payer coverage patterns, and benchmarking where available.
This summary provides a concise reference for clinicians, coding professionals, and policy analysts seeking clarity on the procedure represented by CPT code 50722, how it is categorized across payers, and the types of information to include in claims and prior authorization requests. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
CPT code 50722 describes a surgical procedure to release a ureteral obstruction caused by compression from a dilated ovarian vein. The service type is a surgical ureterolysis or vascular decompression of the ureter. The typical site of service is an operating room or surgical suite in an inpatient or outpatient hospital setting, depending on clinical indications and patient status.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A 42-year-old woman presents with intermittent left flank pain and recurrent urinary tract symptoms. Imaging with CT urogram demonstrates left-sided hydroureteronephrosis without an intrinsic ureteral stone; a dilated left ovarian vein is noted crossing and compressing the mid-ureter with upstream ureteral dilation. The patient is referred to an interventional radiologist and urologist for evaluation. Conservative measures and analgesia were attempted. The planned procedure, 50722, is performed in an interventional suite or operating room under general anesthesia or monitored anesthesia care. The provider identifies the ovarian vein causing extrinsic compression of the ureter and surgically or endovascularly ligates or embolizes and releases the compressive segment to restore ureteral patency. Post-procedure imaging or ureteral stent placement may be performed to ensure drainage. Typical site of service: hospital outpatient surgery center or inpatient operating room, depending on patient comorbidity and complexity.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
22 | Increased procedural services | Use when work required is substantially greater than usual for 50722 due to complexity or extensive dissection. |