Wiki Abscess after appendectomy

[Mklaubauf]

Hi,
I a patient ends up going back into surgery after an appendectomy for a abcess, peritoneal, would I code 49020 or would I look at coding 44900.

When would I use 44900?

Thank you,
Marci

 

[Lujanwj]

44900 would be to drain an abscess on an existing appendix.

49020 would be used to drain an abscess regardless of location in the peritoneal space as long as it's not on the appendix.

 

[Mklaubauf]

Thank you