Wiki Inguinal hernia repair

[AZ_coder22]

What is more compliant to bill when provider performs laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair for incarcerated inguinal hernia-49650 or 49659-unlisted laparoscopic procedure herniorraphy, hernioplasty, herniotomy?
We’ve been using the unlisted code at my practice but are questioning if this is proper coding. Any information and/or links would be so appreciated.

 

[andrewcrocker]

Code to the highest degree of specificity

Since the operative note states incarcerated inguinal hernia repair via laparoscopic approach, coding to the highest degree of specificity would bring you to 49650: Laparoscopy, surgical; repair initial inguinal hernia (or, 49651: repair recurrent inguinal hernia, if that is documented).

Since we know this is an inguinal hernia, 49659 would not be appropriate. 49659 is used to cover laparoscopic repairs of all other hernia types not listed, regardless of patient age or initial/recurrent, reducible/strangulated status, etc, etc, etc. Most insurance companies do not like 'unlisted procedure' codes unless it is necessary.

 

[AZ_coder22]

Thank you! This is along the lines of what we were thinking. Just trying to build our case to approach the provider you wouldn’t happen to have any references for this information would you?