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CPT 51820: Bladder and Urethral Repair with Ureteral Reimplantation
CPT code 51820 denotes a surgical repair of bladder and urethral defects combined with reimplantation of one or both ureters into the bladder. This code covers complex reconstructive urologic surgery intended to correct anatomical abnormalities that impede urinary function. Nationally, procedures captured by this code are clinically significant because they address conditions that can lead to recurrent infections, renal damage, or impaired quality of life if left untreated.
Key payers considered in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of clinical context, typical sites of service, and common billing considerations tied to this reconstructive urology procedure. The publication outlines benchmarks and utilization patterns where available, highlights relevant policy updates affecting coverage and coding, and summarizes clinical circumstances under which the procedure is commonly performed. Data limitations are noted where input was not provided. The content is intended for national audiences including coding professionals, practice administrators, and policy analysts seeking a clear, practical summary of CPT code 51820 and its role in surgical urologic care.
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Billing Code Overview
CPT code 51820 describes a surgical procedure to correct defects of the urinary bladder and urethra with concurrent reimplantation of one or both ureters into the bladder. The procedure typically addresses congenital or acquired anatomic abnormalities that impair urinary storage or drainage and may be performed to restore normal urinary tract continuity and function.
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Service type: Surgical repair of bladder and urethral defect with ureteral reimplantation
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Typical site of service: Hospital operating room or ambulatory surgical center