Wiki Laparoscopy with aspiration and drain insertion

[katiejeanne]

We have a patient who presented with a diverticular abscess in the pelvic cavity. Our surgeon laparoscopically went in and aspirated the area (did not mention any additional incisions) and then placed a drain within the pelvis. He brought the drain out through the abdominal wall and hooked to bulb suction. I found codes 49322 and 49324 and am stuck on which one to use. 49322 seems to be for the aspiration of fluids in the intrapelvic cavity while 49324 is for the drain left in. Does the intraperitoneal drain include the aspiration aspect? I'm not sure which code is more appropriate. Thanks in advance!!!

Katie

 

[katiejeanne]

Now I am thinking the 49324 code is geared more for a permanent drain. The one in the surgery I am coding is for a temporary drain that is removed a couple of days later. So maybe I will stick with the aspiration code...