Wiki Exploratory Laparotomy

[Hopp]

When is it appropriate to bill for Exp.Laparotomy (Separate procedure)?
Pt. had an Exp.Laparotomy and the phys. encountered a sm.bowel obst. and sm.umb. hernia which was repaired. I billed for the hernia repair; however the laparotomy has a higher RVU should I have billed for that instead? Thanks

 

[Monika Liddle]

We bill for the procedure that was performed. So I would have billed for the hernia repair. The only way to bill an exp lap is when the physician just explores the abdomen and doesn't do anything else.