Loading...

    Explore
    • Policy Monitoring
    • Live Policy Feed
    • Billing Codes
    • NPI Medicare & Medicaid
    • Healthcare Providers
    • Health Insurance Payers
    • States
    • Service Lines
    • Taxonomy Codes
    Lookup tools
    • Billing Code Lookup
    • CPT Modifier Lookup
    • Provider Taxonomy Code Lookup
    • Healthcare Provider & Facility Lookup
    • Health Insurance Payer Lookup
    • Payer Contact Directory

    Policy & Benchmark Tools

    • Prior Authorization Lookup
    • Coverage Criteria Lookup
    • Timely Filing Lookup
    • Billing Code Reimbursement Rates
    • Payer Comparison Dashboard
    • Facility Comparison Dashboard
    • All tools

    Company

    • About OpenPayer
    • Data Sources
    • Trek Health
    OpenPayerby Trek Health
    LinkedInYouTube

    © 2026 Trek Health. All rights reserved.

    OpenPayer is built and maintained by Trek Health.

    v1.0.30
    OpenPayerBilling CodesIntroduction Procedures on the BladderCPT cpt-51605-urethrocystography-contrast-instillation-with-chain-placement
    Ask Trek AI about this page

    CPT 51605: Urethrocystography with Contrast and Catheter Insertion

    Medicare pays $36 on average nationally for this procedure.

    CPT code 51605 describes insertion of a urethral or bladder catheter or chain during injection of contrast material for a urethrocystography, a radiographic X‑ray examination of the urethra and bladder performed to identify abnormalities of the lower urinary tract; service type: fluoroscopic contrast study/diagnostic radiology procedure involving catheter placement; typical site of service: hospital outpatient radiology suite or ambulatory imaging center where urography and cystographic studies are performed.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Surgical Procedures, Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of Service, Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in Adults.

    Customize your policy alerts

    Sign up for cpt 51605 policy alerts

    Get alerted when payer policies referencing 51605 are released or updated.

    Monitor payer policy activity

    Receive email alerts as soon as relevant payer policies are published or updated.

    Table of contents

    Progress1 / 7

    Explore openpayer tools

    • Billing CodesCPT, HCPCS, DRG & more
    • Reimbursement RatesCommercial vs. Medicare rate reports
    • Facility ComparisonBeds, revenue & payer mix
    • ProvidersHospitals & facilities
    • PayersPlans & market footprint
    • Taxonomy CodesNUCC specialty codes
    • ModifiersCPT modifiers & usage
    • Prior AuthorizationPA policies by payer & drug
    • Timely FilingFiling deadlines by payer
    • Coverage CriteriaMedical necessity by payer
    • Payer ContactsClaims, PA & appeals contacts
    View all tools

    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 54-year-old male presents to the radiology suite with a history of lower urinary tract symptoms and recurrent urinary tract infections. The urologist orders urethrocystography to evaluate for urethral stricture, bladder diverticulum, or vesicoureteral reflux. The patient arrives fasting per local imaging protocol. After consent, the radiologic technologist prepares contrast medium and sterile supplies. The provider (radiologist or urologist) performs aseptic technique, inserts a small urethral catheter or chain into the urethra and advances into the bladder as needed, and slowly instills water-soluble contrast while fluoroscopic images are obtained in multiple projections. Post-procedure, images are reviewed for filling defects, extravasation, or anatomic abnormalities; a brief procedure note documents indications, technique, contrast volume, findings, and any complications. Typical billing uses 51605 for the catheter/chain insertion with contrast for urethrocystography. Typical site of service is an outpatient radiology or hospital outpatient imaging suite; the service type is diagnostic fluoroscopic contrast study of the lower urinary tract.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    51020Cystourethroscopy, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washingMay be performed before or after urethrocystography for direct visualization and biopsy when endoscopic evaluation is indicated
    52000Cystourethroscopy, diagnostic; with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washingEndoscopic diagnostic evaluation that can complement radiographic urethrocystography for mucosal lesions
    76942Ultrtrasound guidance for interventional proceduresMay be used adjunctively for bladder or pelvic imaging guidance during related interventions
    51701Insertion of temporary indwelling urethral catheter; simple (e.g., Foley)Performed before or after contrast study for bladder drainage or post-procedure management
    74240Urography, retrograde, with or without injection of contrast (includes ureters)Alternative or complementary radiographic contrast studies of the urinary tract that may be ordered in the same diagnostic workup

    Related Modifiers

    9 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
    23Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
    52Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    63Modifier‑63 is appended to surgical CPT codes (20000–69990) when a procedure is performed on a neonate or infant weighing ≤ 4 kg (about 8.8 lbs). The AMA/AAPC definition specifies this use and notes…- Use modifier -63 only for surgical procedures in the CPT 20000–69990 series performed on a neonate or infant who weighs ≤ 4 kg at the time of the procedure; it indicates increased complexity due to…
    76Modifier -76, Repeat Procedure or Service by Same Physician or Other Qualified Health Care Professional, is appended when the same provider performs an identical, medically necessary procedure or…- Use modifier -76 when the same physician or other qualified health care professional performs an identical procedure or service a second (or subsequent) time on the same date of service and the…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…
    62Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy Code
    2086S0105X
    208800000X
    363L00000X
    261QR0400X
    225XP0019X
    152WC0802X
    246ZB0302X
    106E00000X

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    29 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    N10Acute pyelonephritis
    N13.6Pyonephrosis
    N13.8Other obstructive and reflux uropathy
    N20.0Calculus of kidney
    N21.0Calculus in bladder
    N30.10Interstitial cystitis (chronic) without hematuria
    N30.80Other cystitis without hematuria
    N30.90Cystitis, unspecified without hematuria
    N31.1Reflex neuropathic bladder, not elsewhere classified
    N31.9Neuromuscular dysfunction of bladder, unspecified

    Showing 1–10 of 29

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: General Surgery1 / 3

    10 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Surgical ProceduresUnitedHealthcare2026-09-01
    Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of ServiceUnitedHealthcare2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in AdultsPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Surgical or Diagnostic Procedures in AdultsPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) SelectPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) Select — Site of Service for Ambulatory Surgical Procedures (ASC Select)Premera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Site of Service Ambulatory Service Center (ASC) SelectPremera Bluecross2026-09-01
    Outpatient Surgical Procedures - Site of Servicesierra health and life2026-08-01
    Medical Necessity Guidelines — Inpatient Surgical CareMass General Brigham Health Plan2026-08-01
    Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) - Site of Care PolicyKaiser Permanente2026-08-01

    Related Codes

    CPT-51600-VOIDING-CYSTOURETHROGRAM-VCUG-MCUG

    CPT 51600: Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)

    CPT-51610-URETHROCYSTOGRAPHY-URETHRA-BLADDER-CONTRAST-STUDY

    CPT 51610: Urethrocystography with Retrograde Contrast

    CPT-51700-BLADDER-IRRIGATION-INSTILLATION

    CPT 51700: Bladder Instillation and Irrigation via Catheter

    CPT-51701-INTERMITTENT-URINARY-CATHETERIZATION-RESIDUAL-URINE

    CPT 51701: Intermittent Urethral Catheterization, Non‑Indwelling

    CPT-51702-BLADDER-CATHETERIZATION-PLACEMENT-MANAGEMENT

    CPT 51702: Non‑indwelling Bladder Catheterization

    CPT-51703-BLADDER-CATHETERIZATION-PROCEDURE

    CPT 51703: Indwelling Bladder Catheter Insertion

    CPT-51705-BLADDER-TUBE-REPLACEMENT-SIMPLE-EXCHANGE

    CPT 51705: Simple Removal and Replacement of Bladder Tube

    CPT-51710-COMPLICATED-BLADDER-CATHETER-REPLACEMENT

    CPT 51710: Replacement of Indwelling Bladder Tube, Complicated

    CPT-51715-ENDOSCOPIC-URETHRAL-BLADDER-NECK-INJECTION-INCONTINENCE

    CPT 51715: Endoscopic Urethral/Bladder Neck Bulking Injection

    CPT-51720-INTRAVESICAL-INSTILLATION-ANTICARCINOGENIC-AGENT

    CPT 51720: Intravesical Anticarcinogenic Instillation for Bladder Cancer

    Showing 1–10 of 11

    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
    2. 2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
    3. 3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.
    Published by

    Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

    Trek Health ingests and normalizes Transparency in Coverage data and payer policy updates to give provider organizations a clear view of how commercial reimbursement behaves across markets, payers, and services. Our platform transforms raw payer disclosures into structured intelligence that supports contract evaluation, payer negotiations, and service line strategy. By combining market benchmarks with ongoing policy visibility, Trek helps teams identify variability, risk, and opportunity in commercial reimbursement. The result is faster insight, stronger negotiating positions, and more informed financial decisions.