• 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 Hand Port Assisted Laparoscopic Colectomy

Create Wiki
B

bda23054

Networker
Messages
48
Location
Lebanon, MO
Best answers
0
Does anyone have any documentation on how to properly bill for the hand assisted laparoscopic procedures? I am needing specific proof to show that it's coded one way or the other. If you do, could you please email it to me:
bsherrer@lakeregional.com
Thanks.
 
If the work is done through the scope, regardless if a hand is assisting it's still a scope procedure.

CPT Changes 2006 p.124 for code 44202 discusses doing extracorporeal anastomosis and it still counts as laparoscopic.

Here a quote from CMS: "Current efforts focus on developing minimally invasive approaches to more complex traditional procedures. For example, hand-assisted laparoscopy will allow endoscopic approaches to be applied to procedures that are now performed in a completely open surgical environment."

https://www.cms.gov/Research-Statis...-Reports/Reports/Downloads/Goldman_2004_4.pdf

I know that doesn't directly answer your question but I hope it helps.
 
I can't find the reference but this question was asked on Karen Zupko's question/answer website and it was stated that it was laparoscopic. That's how I code it.
 
Thank you! The hospital facility coders have been coding their portion as open and I've been coding as laparoscopic. I can't find specific documentation stating exactly how it's to be coded.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top