General Surgery Coding Alert
Don't Limit Add-On Code Use Without Specific Instructions
Question: Michigan Subscriber Answer: Code +47001 (Biopsy of liver, needle; when done for indicated purpose at time of other major procedure [list separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) was added to CPT before laparoscopy was a common surgical approach and the intent at that time was likely to add it when the patient was having another open procedure. However, there is no specific list of codes that 47001 can be added to. Additionally, since the biopsy is a service with no global period and which does not have any expected follow up or other implications that would have an impact on using it with a laparoscopic procedure, there should be no problem with using +47001 with either laparoscopic or laparotomy approaches.
General Surgery Coding Alert
- Wound Repair:
Differentiate Wound Repair vs. Tissue Transfer To Achieve Proper Coding in Just 3 Steps
Tip: Don't count on separate lesion removal payment. When your surgeon performs a wound repair [...] - Diagnosis Coding Primer:
Eliminate 'Uncertain Behavior' Confusion With Expert Tips on 238.2 Use
Hint: Wait for the path report to avoid payer scrutiny. If you always use diagnosis [...] - You Be the Coder:
Get Individual Payer Coding Rules in Writing
Question: One of our patients had a laparoscopic partial omenectomy. I chose the unlisted code [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Limit Add-On Code Use Without Specific Instructions
Question: I read your You Be the Coder in the July 2010 issue of General [...] - Reader Questions:
Lap-to-Open LAR Warrants an Open Code
Question: What codes would you use for lower anterior resection with anal anastomosis and divered [...] - Reader Questions:
Altering Coding Just to Get Paid Is a Big No-No
Question: When coding a mastectomy for gynecomastia in a male, what CPT code should I [...] - Reader Questions:
Capture Return to OR Charges With 78
Question: On August 4 a patient had a total colectomy (44150). He developed an anastomotic [...] - Reader Questions:
Include Exploration in Main Laparoscopic Procedure Code
Question: The surgeon performed an exploratory laparoscopy with laparoscopic drainage of an intra-abdominal abscess and [...] - Reader Questions:
Bilateral Done On 1 Side Means 52
Question: A patient underwent a laparoscopic total pelvic lymph node dissection. The code 38571 represents [...] - Reader Questions:
Check Medical Necessity Before Coding 31575
Question: A surgeon does a thyroid lobectomy (60220) and following the procedure, the anesthesiologist extubates [...]
