Gastroenterology Coding Alert
Choose Appropriate Repair Code Based on Recurrence and Type of Hernia
Question: Our physician recently performed a laparoscopic umbilical hernia repair along with a trocar site hernia repair. How do I charge for the trocar site hernia repair?
Answer: Trocar Site Hernia (TSH) is defined as an incisional hernia which occurs after minimally invasive surgery on the trocar incision site. You should use the appropriate incisional hernia repair code (49654 - 49655, Laparoscopy, surgical, repair, incisional hernia [includes mesh insertion, when performed] ...; or 49656 - 49657, Laparoscopy, surgical, repair, recurrent incisional hernia [includes mesh insertion, when performed] ...) to report this procedure that your physician performed.
Here’s why: The incisional hernia repair codes include the reimbursement and work associated with an incisional defect with expected adhesions, scarring, and other extra work associated with a procedure related to a previous surgical site.
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Gastroenterology Coding Alert
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