Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: I need help with an op note:

Florida Subscriber

Answer: Without having the entire op report, it's difficult to code for the entire surgery. But the difference between a laparoscopic cystectomy and removal of part or all of an ovary is an important one from a coding and payment perspective.

Code 58661 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with removal of adnexal structures [partial or total oophorectomy and/or salpingectomy]) has fewer relative value units (RVUs) than 58662 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with fulguration or excision of lesions of the ovary, pelvic viscera, or peritoneal surface by any method) -- 58661 has 17.19 RVUs, while 58662 has 18.78 RVUs.

You-ll report 58661 when your ob-gyn takes part of the ovary along with the cyst, and 58662 when the ob-gyn only takes the cyst.

This surgeon also apparently drained an abscess on the left side. You can report this procedure as 49322 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with aspiration of cavity or cyst [e.g., ovarian cyst] [single or multiple]). Link this to tubo-ovarian abscess ICD-9 code 614.2 (Salpingitis and oophoritis not specified as acute, subacute, or chronic).

You may not report lysis of adhesions separately with these codes. If the physician has documented an extensive amount of work involved, you might be able to ask for additional reimbursement by adding modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) to 58662. Wait for the path report before assigning a code for the ovarian cyst type.