Wiki CPT 47399 for liver packing

[kim.richardson@dmas.virginia.gov]

A patient was taken to the OR emergently s/p multiple gun shot wounds. Procedures include exploratory laparoscopy, placement of right chest tube, liver packing, diaphragm repair, and abthera placement. Is the liver packing separately billable in this case or is it included in the diaphragm repair? There were two liver lacerations; no sutures, just packing. Thanks.

 

[Kmetzke]

Just wondering how you ended up handling the liver packing? I have case that is very similar, exploratory lap with repair of diaphragm, 5 laparotomy pads packed in liver, with vac placed. Packing was left in, patient will return to OR next day to make sure hemostasis achieved.