• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki CPT code VATS with drainage of pleural effusion-help please

Create Wiki
S

sjh72

Contributor
Messages
13
Location
Sparta, TN
Best answers
0
VATS surgery is new to me and I was hoping for some assistance.

I cannot locate a code for VATS with draining of pleural effusion. I saw a post where it was said to use 32601. My encoder leads me to an unlisted code.

"Thoracoscope was introduced into the chest showing fair decompression of the right lung with a large serous effusion present. The effusion was then evacuated with a suction."

My other question is my provider always inserts a chest tube at the conclusion of the procedure. This is allowed to be coded separately with a 59 modifier per CCI edits. My gut is telling me this is wound be bundled. Does anyone code a chest tube with VATS surgeries?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
I agree with the 32601 and at the end of each thoracoscopy description it has "A chest tube for drainage and re-expansion of the lung is usually inserted through the wound used for the thoracoscopy." so I never bill them separate.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top