Reader Question:
Beware Separate Mesh Removal
Published on Sun Sep 27, 2009
Question: The surgeon performed the following: Made 10 cm supraumbilical transverse incision with 15-blade scalpel carried down through subcutaneous tissue using Bovie. Used combination electrocautery and blunted dissection to isolate area of scar tissue on patient's right side. Noted sutures from previous umbilical hernia repair and mesh from right-lower abdominal hernia repair. Excised mesh and surrounding scar tissue to level of fascia using combination Bovie and blunt dissection. Closed with 30 Vicrylc and interrupted nylons. Can we bill separately for abdominal exploration (49000), mesh removal (+11008), and scar revision (13101) based on this operative note? California Subscriber Answer: No, you should not code three separate procedures. You should report 22999 (Unlisted procedure, abdomen, musculoskeletal system) alone for the service described by this operative note. Here's why: You should not list +11008 (Removal of prosthetic material or mesh, abdominal wall for infection [e.g., for chronic or recurrent mesh infection or necrotizing [...]
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