Wiki lap Inguinal hernia w/ open umbilical hernia repair

[ihaghighat]

Hello all,
I have an op note in which the surgeon repairs an inguinal hernia laparoscopically (dissected and reperitonealized) and then dissects out the umbilical hernia in order to invaginate the hernia sack back into the abdomen and close the fascia. I wonder if I can bill both 49650 and 49585, or can I only bill the Lap Inguinal hernia? (I don't see that the umbilical hernia was part of the lap port site, so I'm wondering if I can bill both). Thanks in advance for your help...

 

[miabratton]

i'd would probably code both if its no indication

 

[FTessaBartels]

Separate surgical sites

IF the umbilical hernia site is NOT part of the port, then you should be able to code it separately from the inguinal hernia.

Be sure your documentation is clear. You will likely get a denial or perhaps a request for medical records.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[mitchellde]

I am thinking along the same lines as Tessa, an op note would help the analysis.

 

[ihaghighat]

thank you all for your help....I was leaning towards coding both...I feel comfortable with the documentation....