• 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 How to bill Appendectomy?

hsmith67

Guru
Messages
158
Location
St Augustine, FL
Best answers
0
OK,

The doc knew based on CT scan that the appendix was ruptured. But, his op note and list of procedures reads as follows:

1) Diagnostic laparascopy
2) Laparotomy
3) Appendectomy
4) Drainage of abdominal cavity

Laparscopy was initiated and then terminated when it was discovered there were dense adhesions, decision was made to switch to an open procedure. After locating the ruptured appendix, it was removed and passed off. 6 liters of normal saline were used to irrigate the abdominal cavity. 2 Abramson drains were placed (1 in RUQ and 1 in LLQ).

So, what is the correct way to bill this? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Hunter Smith, CPC
 
Cathe

Does it mention if there was an abscess or any peritonitis?

If so then i would use 44960

everything would be included in this code.
 
Top