Otolaryngology Coding Alert

Question: According to the Otolaryngology Coding Alert, central neck dissection can be reported as 38999, unlisted, or 38724 with modifier 52. I have an otolaryngologist who wants to bill both codes stating that the 38724 refers to Level II-IV and the central neck dissection refers to Level VI. No bundles appear in Codify's CCI tool but I am confused as to his interpretation. Is he correct?New York SubscriberAnswer: No, you would not report both these codes for the central neck dissection. Appending modifier 52 (Reduced services) to 38724 (Cervical lymphadenectomy [modified radical neck dissection]) reflects the work for the central neck dissection. The unlisted procedure code 38999 (Unlisted procedure, hemic or lymphatic system) is not needed.-- Answers to You Be the Coder and Reader Questions reviewed by Barbara J. Cobuzzi, MBA, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P, CENTC, CHCC, president of New Jersey-based CRN Healthcare Solutions.