CPT 52214: Endoscopic Destruction of Bladder/Urethral Tissue

Medicare pays $758 on average nationally for this procedure.

CPT code 52214 describes endoscopic inspection of the bladder using a cystoscope passed through the urethra with destruction (fulguration, electrocautery, cryosurgery, or laser) of tissue on the bladder trigone, bladder neck, prostatic fossa, urethra, and/or periurethral glands; service type: endoscopic destructive procedure of bladder/urethral tissue; typical site of service: ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient department where cystoscopic equipment and surgical support are available.

For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Abortion Services, Prolonged Services for Labor Management, Prolonged Services for Labor Management.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A typical patient is a 68-year-old male with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms and recurrent episodes of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and symptomatic bladder neck/trigonal lesions. The urologist evaluates the patient in clinic, reviews prior imaging (ultrasound or CT) and uroflowmetry, and documents failed conservative therapy (alpha-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor) and persistent urinary retention or recurrent urinary tract infections. After preoperative assessment and informed consent, the patient is scheduled for a transurethral endoscopic procedure in an outpatient ambulatory surgery center or hospital operating room under general or spinal anesthesia.

During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a cystoscope through the urethra to visualize the bladder, bladder neck, trigone, prostatic fossa, periurethral glands, and urethra. The surgeon performs destruction (fulguration, electrocautery, cryotherapy, or laser ablation) of focal tissue on the bladder trigone, bladder neck, prostatic fossa, urethra, and/or periurethral glands to treat lesions contributing to obstruction, bleeding, or recurrent infections. Typical intraoperative documentation includes indication, cystoscopic findings, method of tissue destruction (electrocautery, laser, or cryo), duration, estimated blood loss, any complications, and postoperative catheter plan. Postoperative workflow includes recovery unit monitoring, voiding trial or catheter management, discharge instructions, and follow-up visit for symptom assessment and possible repeat cystoscopy if symptoms persist.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`52000`	Cystourethroscopy, diagnostic; with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing	Diagnostic cystoscopy frequently performed before or during planning for `52214` to visualize lesions
`52425`	Cystourethroscopy, with fulguration of tumor(s) of bladder; single or multiple, any method	Alternative or additional code when fulguration is directed at bladder tumors rather than trigone/neck/periurethral tissue; may be reported when lesion type and location meet code definitions
`52332`	Cystourethroscopy; with removal of foreign body	May be performed in the same session if foreign material or encrustation is present and requires removal prior to fulguration
`52010`	Cystourethroscopy, with ureteral catheterization, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography	May be performed adjunctively when ureteral access or assessment is needed during the same endoscopic session
`52204`	Cystourethroscopy, with destruction of bladder tumor(s) by electrocautery, aspiration, or fulguration (separate from `52214` in tumor-directed context)	Related ablative code used when tumor-directed transurethral destruction is performed; selection depends on lesion type and documentation

Related Modifiers

9 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –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…
23	Modifier -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…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
51	Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…	- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
52	Modifier ‑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…
53	Modifier 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…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
62	Modifier 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…
78	CPT 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…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code
363L00000X
208800000X
207RC0000X
163W00000X
207PP0204X
246Z00000X
207QP0002X
261QR0404X

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Obstetrics/Gynecology1 / 2

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Abortion Services	New Mexico Health Care Authority	2027-01-01
Prolonged Services for Labor Management	Premera Bluecross	2027-01-01
Prolonged Services for Labor Management	Premera Bluecross	2027-01-01
Maternal Serum Testing for Prediction of Adverse Obstetric Outcomes	Premera Bluecross	2026-10-01
Maternal Serum Testing for Prediction of Adverse Obstetric Outcomes	Premera Bluecross	2026-10-01
Maternal Serum Testing for Prediction of Adverse Obstetric Outcomes	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Massachusetts	2026-10-01
Cervical Cancer Screening	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Prenatal Testing for Fetal Aneuploidy	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Diagnosis of Vaginitis	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Prenatal Screening (Nongenetic)	Oscar Health	2026-10-01

Related Codes

CPT-52204-CYSTOURETHROSCOPY-WITH-BIOPSY

CPT 52204: Cystourethroscopy with Biopsy

CPT-52224-CYSTOSCOPY-LESION-DESTRUCTION-MINOR

CPT 52224: Cystoscopy with Destruction of Minor Bladder Lesion

CPT-52234-CYSTOSCOPIC-DESTRUCTION-SMALL-BLADDER-LESION

CPT 52234: Cystoscopy with Destruction of Small Bladder Lesion

CPT-52235-CYSTOSCOPIC-DESTRUCTION-MEDIUM-BLADDER-LESION-2-5CM

CPT 52235: Cystoscopy with Fulguration of Medium Bladder Lesion

CPT-52240-CYSTOSCOPY-LESION-FULGURATION-ABLATION-GREATER-THAN-5CM

CPT 52240: Cystoscopy with Destruction of Bladder Lesion (>5.0 cm)

CPT-52250-CYSTOSCOPIC-INTRAVESICAL-RADIOACTIVE-THERAPY-FOR-BLADDER-CANCER

CPT 52250: Cystoscopy with Intravesical Radioisotope Therapy

CPT-52260-DIAGNOSTIC-CYSTOSCOPY-INTERSTITIAL-CYSTITIS-EVALUATION

CPT 52260: Cystoscopic Inspection Under Anesthesia for Interstitial Cystitis

CPT-52265-DIAGNOSTIC-CYSTOSCOPY-INTERSTITIAL-CYSTITIS-EVALUATION

CPT 52265: Diagnostic Cystoscopy for Interstitial Cystitis

CPT-52270-CYSTOSCOPIC-URETHROTOMY-INTERNAL-URETHRAL-STRICTURE

CPT 52270: Cystoscopy with Incision of Internal Urethral Stricture (Female)

CPT-52275-CYSTOSCOPY-INTERNAL-URETHROTOMY-STRICTURE-INCISION

CPT 52275: Cystoscopy with Internal Urethrotomy

Showing 1–10 of 26

Frequently Asked Questions

References

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.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.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.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`52000`	Cystourethroscopy, diagnostic; with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing	Diagnostic cystoscopy frequently performed before or during planning for `52214` to visualize lesions
`52425`	Cystourethroscopy, with fulguration of tumor(s) of bladder; single or multiple, any method	Alternative or additional code when fulguration is directed at bladder tumors rather than trigone/neck/periurethral tissue; may be reported when lesion type and location meet code definitions
`52332`	Cystourethroscopy; with removal of foreign body	May be performed in the same session if foreign material or encrustation is present and requires removal prior to fulguration
`52010`	Cystourethroscopy, with ureteral catheterization, with or without irrigation, instillation, or ureteropyelography	May be performed adjunctively when ureteral access or assessment is needed during the same endoscopic session
`52204`	Cystourethroscopy, with destruction of bladder tumor(s) by electrocautery, aspiration, or fulguration (separate from `52214` in tumor-directed context)	Related ablative code used when tumor-directed transurethral destruction is performed; selection depends on lesion type and documentation

Related Modifiers

9 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –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…
23	Modifier -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…
50	Modifier –50 (Bilateral Procedure) is appended to a CPT code when an identical procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures during the same operative session. The AMA states to add…	- Use modifier -50 when the same CPT surgical, diagnostic, or radiology procedure is performed on paired anatomical structures (both sides of the body) during the same operative/session by the same…
51	Modifier –51 (Multiple Procedures) is used when the same provider performs multiple procedures in the same session to identify secondary, non‑exempt procedures and indicate payment reduction logic…	- Use modifier -51 when the same provider performs multiple distinct procedures during the same patient encounter: report the highest‑valued procedure first (no modifier) and append -51 to…
52	Modifier ‑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…
53	Modifier 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…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
62	Modifier 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…
78	CPT 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…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code
363L00000X
208800000X
207RC0000X
163W00000X
207PP0204X
246Z00000X
207QP0002X
261QR0404X

Related Payer Policy Updates

Specialty: Obstetrics/Gynecology1 / 2

10 rows

Policy	Payer	Effective Date
Abortion Services	New Mexico Health Care Authority	2027-01-01
Prolonged Services for Labor Management	Premera Bluecross	2027-01-01
Prolonged Services for Labor Management	Premera Bluecross	2027-01-01
Maternal Serum Testing for Prediction of Adverse Obstetric Outcomes	Premera Bluecross	2026-10-01
Maternal Serum Testing for Prediction of Adverse Obstetric Outcomes	Premera Bluecross	2026-10-01
Maternal Serum Testing for Prediction of Adverse Obstetric Outcomes	Blue Cross Blue Shield - Massachusetts	2026-10-01
Cervical Cancer Screening	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Prenatal Testing for Fetal Aneuploidy	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Diagnosis of Vaginitis	Oscar Health	2026-10-01
Prenatal Screening (Nongenetic)	Oscar Health	2026-10-01

Related Codes

CPT-52204-CYSTOURETHROSCOPY-WITH-BIOPSY

CPT 52204: Cystourethroscopy with Biopsy

CPT-52224-CYSTOSCOPY-LESION-DESTRUCTION-MINOR

CPT 52224: Cystoscopy with Destruction of Minor Bladder Lesion

CPT-52234-CYSTOSCOPIC-DESTRUCTION-SMALL-BLADDER-LESION

CPT 52234: Cystoscopy with Destruction of Small Bladder Lesion

CPT-52235-CYSTOSCOPIC-DESTRUCTION-MEDIUM-BLADDER-LESION-2-5CM

CPT 52235: Cystoscopy with Fulguration of Medium Bladder Lesion

CPT-52240-CYSTOSCOPY-LESION-FULGURATION-ABLATION-GREATER-THAN-5CM

CPT 52240: Cystoscopy with Destruction of Bladder Lesion (>5.0 cm)

CPT-52250-CYSTOSCOPIC-INTRAVESICAL-RADIOACTIVE-THERAPY-FOR-BLADDER-CANCER

CPT 52250: Cystoscopy with Intravesical Radioisotope Therapy

CPT-52260-DIAGNOSTIC-CYSTOSCOPY-INTERSTITIAL-CYSTITIS-EVALUATION

CPT 52260: Cystoscopic Inspection Under Anesthesia for Interstitial Cystitis

CPT-52265-DIAGNOSTIC-CYSTOSCOPY-INTERSTITIAL-CYSTITIS-EVALUATION

CPT 52265: Diagnostic Cystoscopy for Interstitial Cystitis

CPT-52270-CYSTOSCOPIC-URETHROTOMY-INTERNAL-URETHRAL-STRICTURE

CPT 52270: Cystoscopy with Incision of Internal Urethral Stricture (Female)

CPT-52275-CYSTOSCOPY-INTERNAL-URETHROTOMY-STRICTURE-INCISION

CPT 52275: Cystoscopy with Internal Urethrotomy

Showing 1–10 of 26

Frequently Asked Questions

References

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.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.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.

CPT 52214: Endoscopic Destruction of Bladder/Urethral Tissue

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CPT 52214: Endoscopic Destruction of Bladder/Urethral Tissue

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What clinical situations is CPT 52214 typically used for?

What intraoperative and documentation elements are commonly expected for this procedure?

Which related CPT codes might be reported in the same episode of care and how do they relate to 52214?

What diagnoses are commonly associated with CPT 52214 coding?

In what settings is CPT 52214 typically performed and which payers are listed as covered in the summary?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related Payer Policy Updates

Related Codes

What clinical situations is CPT 52214 typically used for?

What intraoperative and documentation elements are commonly expected for this procedure?

Which related CPT codes might be reported in the same episode of care and how do they relate to 52214?

What diagnoses are commonly associated with CPT 52214 coding?

In what settings is CPT 52214 typically performed and which payers are listed as covered in the summary?

References