General Surgery Coding Alert
Sometimes 'Unlisted' Is the Only Option
Question: Georgia Subscriber Answer: As you suggested, 43659 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, stomach) is the proper code to report. Why: Unfortunately, coding for lap procedures hasn't kept up with technology. If no precise procedure or service code exists, you should report the service "using the appropriate unlisted procedure or service code," state the CPT Instructions for Use in the CPT manual. CPT includes unlisted-procedure codes to allow you to report procedures for which there is no specific CPT descriptor available. When there is an established CPT code that accurately describes the services your surgeon performs, you should report that code rather than an unlisted code.
General Surgery Coding Alert
- Battle Biopsy Coding Challenges and Unlock Reimbursement With 3 Essential Tips
Tip: Pathology won't change your CPT code, but may change your ICD-9 choice. If you [...] - Quick Quiz:
Ensure Your Skills Are Up to Par Before the New Diagnosis Codes Hit
5 questions reveal if you need an ICD brush-up. October 1 is just around the [...] - Unlock Payment for Screening to-Diagnostic Colonoscopies
Polyp treatment will affect your CPT code choice, but not necessarily the dx. Even veteran [...] - Quick Quiz Answers:
Ensure Your Skills Are Up to Par Before the New Diagnosis Codes Hit
Answer 1: A. ICD-9 2010 will offer you 12 new chronic venous embolism and thrombosis [...] - You Be the Coder:
Which Modifier for Failed Central Line Insertion?
Question: My doctor attempted placing a central line on the left side. This was not [...] - Reader Questions:
Choose Modifier 59 in 3 Circumstances
Question: When I code for a bilateral mastectomy, I use modifier 50. But in some [...] - Reader Questions:
Stick With 11600 for Repeat Excision
Question: My doctor removed a malignant mole last week, which I reported with 11600. The [...] - Reader Questions:
Not Every Component Is Separately Reportable
Question: One of our physicians is doing the following procedure on a patient: "Exam under [...] - Reader Questions:
Sometimes 'Unlisted' Is the Only Option
Question: We did a laparoscopic gastric wedge excisional biopsy and I cannot find a code [...] - Reader Questions:
Let Payers Reduce Your Multiple Procedure Fees
Question: Are insurance companies allowed to reduce our fees for multiple procedures performed during the [...] - Reader Questions:
Save 21557/24077 for Malignant Neoplasms
Question: Codes 21557 and 24077 describe radical excision for the neck and arm, respectively. Per [...]
