Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: What would be the best way to code an excision of a Zenkers diverticulum under general anesthesia? Should I try looking at limited esophagectomy?

South Carolina Subscriber

Answer: It depends on the surgical approach. If the surgery code is 43130 (Diverticulectomy of hypopharynx or esophagus, with or without myotomy; cervical approach), you must use 00320 (Anesthesia for all procedures on esophagus, thyroid, larynx, trachea and lymphatic system of neck; not otherwise specified, age 1 year or older).

If the surgery is 43135 (Diverticulectomy of hypopharynx or esophagus, with or without myotomy; thoracic approach), use 00500 (Anesthesia for all procedures on esophagus).