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Otolaryngology Coding Alert

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How Should We Code Zenker's Diverticulum?

Published on Mon Jun 19, 2006

Question: Which code should we report for surgical excision of a Zenker's diverticulum? Our surgeon documented this, but I have never heard of it.


Tennessee Subscriber


Answer: If the surgeon excised a Zenker's diverticulum, she removed a pouch that develops in the pharynx of some patients, above the esophageal sphincter. If the surgeon performs an open procedure, report 43130 (Diverticulectomy of hypopharynx or esophagus, with or without myotomy; cervical approach).
 
According to an article on the AAO-HNS Web site, if the surgeon uses an endoscopic approach to remove  the diverticulum, you should report an unlisted- procedure code (such as 43499 or 43289).
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