General Surgery Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Beware Fundoplication Bundles
Published on Fri Apr 12, 2013
Question: Our surgeon performed a laparoscopic esophagogastric myotomy with anterior fundoplication. The op note states,“Myotomy estimated about 5 cm long standing just above level of hiatus.” How should I report this case?
Answer: The correct code for the procedure you describe is 43279 (Laparoscopy, surgical, esophagomyotomy [Heller type], with fundoplasty, when performed).
Fundoplasty is typically associated with an esophagealmyotomy, and it is specifically named in the code descriptor (with fundoplasty, when performed), so you should not additionally report 43280 (Laparoscopy, surgical, esophagogastric fundoplasty [e.g./, Nissen, Toupet procedures]).
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