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Laparoscopic Whipple ( Pancreaticoduodenectomy) Procedure

K

kurtlc@upmc.edu

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Does anyone know what code, if any, we can use for a laparoscopic Whipple procedure. Would this be an unlisted laparoscopic code ( 49329) ? I notice that sometimes our surgery coders use the regular codes for this procedure. I wasn't sure.
 
Of course it would help to see a copy f the note, but you cannot use an open procedure code for a laparoscopic procedure. Sometimes coders do this with a 52 modifier on the open code, however the reimbursement is then reduced and most surgeons I have talked to about this say there is more work, effort, and time involved with a laparoscopic approach than the open and they would prefer we use the unlisted code. I too feel the unlisted is the way to go.
 
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