October 24, 2025

In episode 264 of the Urology Coding and Reimbursement Podcast, Scott and Mark Painter sit down with Ken Mitchell, PA-C, a nationally recognized expert in men’s health and a champion for advanced practice providers (APPs) in urology. Ken shares insights on the growing urology workforce shortage, the evolving role of APPs, and recent payer challenges—like restrictions on APP-administered Xiaflex in Arkansas. He also introduces his nonprofit, Gynecology, which promotes men’s health education and training. This episode is a must-listen for practices navigating workforce limitations, payer pushback, and the future of urologic care.

Urology Advanced Coding and Reimbursement Seminar

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PRS Coding and Reimbursement Hub

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PRS Billing and Other Services - Book a Call with Mark Painter or
Marianne Desciose

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Join the Urology Pharma and Tech Pioneer Group

Empowering urology practices to adopt new technology faster by providing clear reimbursement strategies—ensuring the practice gets paid and patients benefit sooner.

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The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook group.

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook Group link to join:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThrivingPractice/

October 17, 2025

In this episode, Scott, Mark, and Ray Painter clarify the latest on the Medicare claims hold during the government shutdown, explaining that it applies only to services affected by expired COVID-era provisions like telehealth under traditional Medicare. They also address coding questions on billing for bladder stone removal during robotic prostatectomy—highlighting when to use 51050 vs. 51999—and revisit proper coding for Urocuff procedures following a UnitedHealthcare audit, emphasizing payer-specific strategies and the importance of reviewing operative details and coverage policies.

Urology Advanced Coding and Reimbursement Seminar

Information and Registration

PRS Coding and Reimbursement Hub

Access the Hub

Free Kidney Stone Coding Calculator

Download Now

PRS Coding Courses

For Urologist

For APPs

For Coders, Billers, and Admins

PRS Billing and Other Services - Book a Call with Mark Painter or
Marianne Desciose

Click Here to Get More Information and Request a Quote

Join the Urology Pharma and Tech Pioneer Group

Empowering urology practices to adopt new technology faster by providing clear reimbursement strategies—ensuring the practice gets paid and patients benefit sooner.

https://www.prsnetwork.com/joinuptp

Click Here to Start Your Free Trial of AUACodingToday.com

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook group.

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook Group link to join:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThrivingPractice/

October 10, 2025

In this episode, Scott, Mark, and Ray Painter address two pressing topics for urology practices. First, they provide the latest update on the government shutdown, its impact on Medicare claims processing, and the timeline for when the CMS-mandated 10-day hold may be lifted. They also clarify that Medicare funding is not in jeopardy—this is purely an administrative delay related to expiring telehealth and COVID-era waivers.

Next, they tackle a listener-submitted question about hidden processing fees on payer payments—specifically, credit card reimbursements that reduce practice income by 3% or more. Mark shares practical recommendations, including switching to ACH/direct deposit to reduce costs, proactively managing PECOS and credentialing, and negotiating cost-of-living increases in payer contracts. They also explain the risks of neglecting PECOS updates and why contract management should be a routine business process—not a reactionary one.

Urology Advanced Coding and Reimbursement Seminar

Information and Registration

PRS Coding and Reimbursement Hub

Access the Hub

Free Kidney Stone Coding Calculator

Download Now

PRS Coding Courses

For Urologist

For APPs

For Coders, Billers, and Admins

PRS Billing and Other Services - Book a Call with Mark Painter or
Marianne Desciose

Click Here to Get More Information and Request a Quote

Join the Urology Pharma and Tech Pioneer Group

Empowering urology practices to adopt new technology faster by providing clear reimbursement strategies—ensuring the practice gets paid and patients benefit sooner.

https://www.prsnetwork.com/joinuptp

Click Here to Start Your Free Trial of AUACodingToday.com

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook group.

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook Group link to join:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThrivingPractice/

October 3, 2025

In this episode, Scott, Mark, and Ray Painter discuss two timely and important topics. First, they break down the current government shutdown and its effects on Medicare claims processing, including the 10-day hold issued by CMS to allow MACs to adjust their systems—especially around telehealth billing. They offer practical recommendations for urology practices, including billing guidance and the use of ABNs during the shutdown.

Then, the discussion shifts to artificial intelligence in healthcare. After attending multiple urology meetings and AI sessions, Scott and Mark share real-world observations on how AI is being used across the urology landscape—from ambient documentation tools to claims scrubbing and patient scheduling. They emphasize the importance of human oversight, expertise, and carefully evaluating AI partners before implementing tools in your practice. Ray adds his perspective on the ongoing need for human knowledge and caution when embracing new technology.

Urology Advanced Coding and Reimbursement Seminar

Information and Registration

PRS Coding and Reimbursement Hub

Access the Hub

Free Kidney Stone Coding Calculator

Download Now

PRS Coding Courses

For Urologist

For APPs

For Coders, Billers, and Admins

PRS Billing and Other Services - Book a Call with Mark Painter or
Marianne Desciose

Click Here to Get More Information and Request a Quote

Join the Urology Pharma and Tech Pioneer Group

Empowering urology practices to adopt new technology faster by providing clear reimbursement strategies—ensuring the practice gets paid and patients benefit sooner.

https://www.prsnetwork.com/joinuptp

Click Here to Start Your Free Trial of AUACodingToday.com

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook group.

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook Group link to join:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThrivingPractice/

September 26, 2025

In this episode, Scott, Mark, and Ray discuss the looming federal government shutdown and how it could impact urology practices—especially telehealth services. They explain the latest developments in Washington, what Medicare and Medicaid payments will look like during a shutdown, and offer practical guidance for handling telehealth visits, front-office operations, and prior authorizations. Mark shares specific strategies and options for practices, including use of ABNs and billing considerations for Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare patients. The episode wraps with insights on how the shutdown might delay CMS’s final rule and the broader implications for AI, reimbursement, and practice management.

Urology Advanced Coding and Reimbursement Seminar

Information and Registration

PRS Coding and Reimbursement Hub

Access the Hub

Free Kidney Stone Coding Calculator

Download Now

PRS Coding Courses

For Urologist

For APPs

For Coders, Billers, and Admins

PRS Billing and Other Services - Book a Call with Mark Painter or
Marianne Desciose

Click Here to Get More Information and Request a Quote

Join the Urology Pharma and Tech Pioneer Group

Empowering urology practices to adopt new technology faster by providing clear reimbursement strategies—ensuring the practice gets paid and patients benefit sooner.

https://www.prsnetwork.com/joinuptp

Click Here to Start Your Free Trial of AUACodingToday.com

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook group.

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook Group link to join:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThrivingPractice/

UCR 259: Bladder Cancer Reimbursement Strategies – Using Unlisted J Codes and the New Zusduri Hub Tools

September 19, 2025

In this episode, Scott, Mark, and Ray Painter dive into bladder cancer reimbursement with a special focus on billing strategies for new intravesical therapies like Zusduri, which currently lack established J codes. Mark outlines the complete reimbursement pathway from diagnosis coding through installation documentation, prior authorizations, appeals, and follow-up. They discuss the importance of accurate diagnosis flow, clear drug documentation, and the nuances of billing unlisted codes—including Box 19 tips and JW modifiers.

The episode also introduces PRS Network’s new Zusduri Reimbursement Hub, including a custom J Code calculator designed to help practices manage invoicing timelines, track payment cycles, and streamline claim submissions. This tool is a game-changer for practices adopting new therapies. The Painters wrap up with reflections on the importance of payer education, the role of pioneers in improving access to innovative urology treatments, and how this supports better outcomes for patients.

Urology Advanced Coding and Reimbursement Seminar

Information and Registration

PRS Coding and Reimbursement Hub

Access the Hub

Free Kidney Stone Coding Calculator

Download Now

PRS Coding Courses

For Urologist

For APPs

For Coders, Billers, and Admins

PRS Billing and Other Services - Book a Call with Mark Painter or
Marianne Desciose

Click Here to Get More Information and Request a Quote

Join the Urology Pharma and Tech Pioneer Group

Empowering urology practices to adopt new technology faster by providing clear reimbursement strategies—ensuring the practice gets paid and patients benefit sooner.

https://www.prsnetwork.com/joinuptp

Click Here to Start Your Free Trial of AUACodingToday.com

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook group.

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook Group link to join:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThrivingPractice/

September 17, 2025

In this episode, Scott, Mark, and Ray Painter break down the latest updates on the future of Medicare telehealth coverage as the September 30, 2025, deadline approaches. Mark shares insights into recent bipartisan efforts in Congress, including a proposed stopgap measure to extend current telehealth rules through November. They also discuss the political tug-of-war surrounding ACA tax credits and how the budget debate could impact telehealth services. Tune in to understand what this means for your practice, how to handle telehealth scheduling in October, and what documentation is needed if coverage lapses. Plus, final thoughts on why this remains a political football despite broad support for continuing telehealth.

Urology Advanced Coding and Reimbursement Seminar

Information and Registration

PRS Coding and Reimbursement Hub

Access the Hub

Free Kidney Stone Coding Calculator

Download Now

PRS Coding Courses

For Urologist

For APPs

For Coders, Billers, and Admins

PRS Billing and Other Services - Book a Call with Mark Painter or
Marianne Desciose

Click Here to Get More Information and Request a Quote

Join the Urology Pharma and Tech Pioneer Group

Empowering urology practices to adopt new technology faster by providing clear reimbursement strategies—ensuring the practice gets paid and patients benefit sooner.

https://www.prsnetwork.com/joinuptp

Click Here to Start Your Free Trial of AUACodingToday.com

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook group.

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook Group link to join:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThrivingPractice/

September 5, 2025

In this episode, Scott, Mark, Ray, and special guest Dr. John Lin delve into the nuances of coding and billing for steerable vacuum-assisted catheters used in large stone removal. They clarify the differences between DISS (Direct In-Scope Suction) and FANS (Flexible and Navigable Sheaths), explain the use of HCPCS code C9761, and discuss what it means for facilities, surgery centers, and urologists.

Urology Advanced Coding and Reimbursement Seminar

Information and Registration

PRS Coding and Reimbursement Hub

Access the Hub

Free Kidney Stone Coding Calculator

Download Now

PRS Coding Courses

For Urologist

For APPs

For Coders, Billers, and Admins

PRS Billing and Other Services - Book a Call with Mark Painter or
Marianne Desciose

Click Here to Get More Information and Request a Quote

Join the Urology Pharma and Tech Pioneer Group

Empowering urology practices to adopt new technology faster by providing clear reimbursement strategies—ensuring the practice gets paid and patients benefit sooner.

https://www.prsnetwork.com/joinuptp

Click Here to Start Your Free Trial of AUACodingToday.com

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook group.

The Thriving Urology Practice Facebook Group link to join:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThrivingPractice/