General Surgery Coding Alert
Sentinel Node Biopsy and Lymphadenectomy Differ
Sentinel lymph node biopsy "allows sampling of the lymph node or nodes that receive drainage directly from a tumor or an area of carcinoma," according to Medicare guidelines. In other words, such biopsies allow the surgeon to determine whether a cancer has spread to the most likely lymphatic drainage area or if it is contained at the primary location. If the sentinel lymph node is negative for metastases, the surgeon need not perform a complete axillary lymphadenectomy.
Learn more: For complete information on sentinel node biopsy, see General Surgery Coding Alert June 2003, "Visualize Better Payment for Sentinel Node Biopsy Procedures," and July 2003, "Want to Improve Coding Accuracy for Sentinel Node Biopsies? Count Incisions, Not Excisions."
General Surgery Coding Alert
- 4 Rules to Follow to Make the Best of Breast Procedures
'Lumpectomy' is a general term, so proceed with caution when choosing excision/mastectomy codes During breast [...] - Don't Confuse Excision and Biopsy
Keep in mind that a tissue biopsy as described by 19100-19103 is distinct from excision [...] - Sentinel Node Biopsy and Lymphadenectomy Differ
More and more frequently, surgeons are forgoing lymph node excision (38745 by itself or 19162 [...] - Coming This October:
ICD-9 Takes Gastric Bypass Seriously
More complete diagnoses could open the door to wider coverage Surgeons performing gastric bypass operations [...] - V Codes Make Documenting BMI a Snap
Keep this list handy for easy reference
Beginning Oct. 1, you'll be able to report body [...] - Prepare Now for Upcoming ICD-9 Revisions
V codes provide greater specificity for family and personal history of disease The May 4 [...] - Coding Update:
Refined Fee Schedule Eases, Expands Billing Opportunities
Revisions to the Physician fee schedule Database will have an immediate effect on how [...] - Reader Questions:
Separate Incision May Allow for Hernia Reimbursement
Question: The surgeon performed diagnostic laparoscopy with lysis of adhesions, followed by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, needle [...] - Reader Questions:
Learn Key Phrases for Wound Code
Question: The physician documented a 2.2-cm superficial wound on the forearm that primarily involved the [...] - You Be the Coder:
What Makes Obesity 'Morbid'?
Question: What distinguishes "obesity" from "morbid obesity"? Which of these diagnoses should I use for [...] - Reader Questions:
Scope Type Affects Endoscopy Coding
Question: Last week, a patient presented with diarrhea and anemia. The surgeon performed an endoscopy [...] - Reader Questions:
Don't Get Burned With Simple Burn Coding
Question: A patient came in with first- and second-degree burns on her hand. The surgeon [...] - Reader Questions:
Educational Materials Are a Courtesy
Question: Is there a way we can offset the cost of educational materials, pamphlets, etc., [...] - Reader Questions:
36415 Now Describes Venipuncture
Question: How should I report routine venipuncture to Medicare?
California Subscriber
Answer: You should report 36415 [...]
