Outpatient Facility Coding Alert
Biopsy Is Bundled With Excision Code 31541
PDF
Question: During an operative session, the surgeon performed two procedures:
He used an operating microscope only for the first procedure. He excised the vallecular lesion using a cup forceps, and then brought the microscope into place for the excision of bilateral vocal cord lesions. How do I code?
Georgia Subscriber
Answer: Use only code 31541 (Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with excision of tumor and/or stripping of vocal cords or epiglottis; with operating microscope or telescope). The other biopsy code 31535 (Laryngoscopy, direct, operative, with biopsy) is bundled into the more extensive excision code.
You don’t need to append code modifier 50 (Bilateral procedure) to 31541. The Medicare physician fee schedule specifies that bilateral reporting is not allowed for this procedure. You also won’t need modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) since you’re only filing with one procedure code.
Outpatient Facility Coding Alert
- Modifier Review:
Brace Yourself with Modifier 59 for Distinct Procedural Services
Refer to Medicare’s Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) before using Modifier 59 Modifier 59 (Distinct procedural [...] - ICD-10 Transition:
Don't Fall for the Myth That ICD-10 Won't Affect Outpatient Services
Be equipped with the plan of action to embrace the new system The notion that [...] - Reader Question:
Count the Number of Muscles and Not Injections
Question: The physician administered trigger point injections to fingers 2-5 on both the patient’s hands. He [...] - Reader Question:
Biopsy Is Bundled With Excision Code 31541
Question: During an operative session, the surgeon performed two procedures: Direct laryngoscopy with microsuspension laryngoscopy and [...] - Reader Question:
Code 14040 Suffices for Lesion Removal and Tissue Transfer
Question: The dermatologist performed an adjacent tissue transfer. Should I also code for the associated lesion [...] - Reader Question:
Keep the Global Period in Mind When Using 66821 For the Same Eye
Question: The ophthalmologist performed a YAG laser capsulotomy. The patient on a return visit, after 6 [...] - Reader Question:
Remember Many Payers Consider Renessa Experimental
Question: Mrs. Smith had Renessa as a treatment option for stress urinary incontinence. How should we [...] - Reader Question:
Check Documentation for Any Additional Post Operative Services
Question: The pain management specialist inserted a catheter for a continuous femoral nerve block for acute [...] - You Be the Coder:
Learn the Strategy for Coding Skin Lesion
Question: Mr. Johns was referred by the family physician to one of our physicians for a [...]