CPT Code 50200: Renal biopsy; percutaneous by trocar or needle

Learn more about CPT code 50200, the code for renal biopsy, its documentation guidelines, and its billing guidelines.

What is 50200 CPT code?

CPT code 50200 is a medical procedural code within the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) system developed by the American Medical Association that falls under the range for "Excision Procedures on the Kidney". It describes a renal biopsy performed percutaneously, which means that the physician obtained a tissue sample from the kidney by inserting a needle or trocar through the skin. Oftentimes, the procedure is conducted for diagnostic purposes, like to evaluate kidney function, identify causes of kidney diseases, or monitor the health of a transplanted kidney.

CPT code 50200 documentation requirements

Here's a list of the documentation requirements of the CPT code 50200:

Details of the people involved (patient and physician): Patient records, name of physician, and informed consent from the patient
Details of the procedure: Date and time of the procedure, reason/indication of the renal biopsy, imaging guidance used (e.g. ultrasound or CT guidance), location of the biopsy, number of tissue samples obtained, type and size of needle (if applicable), anesthesia used, sterile precautions, and any immediate complications of applicable
Additional information: Post-procedure instructions, images, pathology requisition, etc.

CPT code 50200 billing guidelines

CPT code 50200 has several billing guidelines to ensure accurate and compliant claims submission. Here's a breakdown of them below:

Thorough and accurate documentation

Indicated modifiers
Payer-specific rules for commercial insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid services
Global period is considered

Frequently asked questions

In certain situations, CPT code 50200 may need a modifier. For example, the modifier 50 may be needed if the healthcare professional performs the procedure on both kidneys.

CPT code 77012 is the code used for a CT scan that's performed to help with a needle biopsy.

CPT code 50250 is the code used when a healthcare professional conducts the treatment procedure of removing or destroying a kidney lesion with open cryosurgical ablation.