Wiki Liz

[enix]

I am stumped....
I have a surgeon who did a thoracoscopic resection of a paralyzed diapragm. I am wanting to use code 39560. However it doesn't state "any approach" and I don't see a thoacoscopy that is applicable. Help!!

 

[lisigirl]

Well, on the flip side to what you said above, since 39560 does not specify the approach at all, you could argue that any approach is covered by this code. The coder's desk reference describes the procedure has having an incision across the chest but in my opinion, the coder's desk reference is just giving an example of how a procedure is usually done, not the way it must be done. As long as CPT 39560 does not say "resection, diaphragm, transthoracic approach..." I would say you could use this code for a VATS procedure.

If you are not comfortable with this logic though, I think you need to use an unlisted code. Hope that helps.

Lisi, CPC
eharkler@nmh.org