Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: What is the code for foreign body removal (e.g., tampon)?

Anne Sweetin
Summit Medical Group, Summit, N.J.

Answer: According to CPT 2000, the example that you give for the removal of a tampon might be coded using 57415 (removal of impacted vaginal foreign body [separate procedure] under anesthesia) if the removal of the impacted vaginal foreign body was performed under anesthesia.

If the removal of an impacted vaginal foreign body was performed without the use of anesthesia, the CPT manual indicates that the appropriate evaluation and management (E/M) code should be used based on the key elements that were performed and documented in the patients medical record. You should use ICD-9 code 939.2 (foreign body in vulva and vagina).