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lysis of adhesions with cholecystectomy

M

Miagirl78

Contributor
Messages
18
Location
Vacaville, CA
when is lysis of adhesions coded separately when performing a cholecystectomy? For example, the doctor states it takes half the time of the entire procedure to perform the lysis of adhesions. (The doctor does not ask to bill it separately if the lysis of adhesions is around the gallbladder and need to be removed before reaching the gallbladder.)
how is this billable for BOTH Inpatient and Outpatients cases and the doctor would like to know why it is different between inpatient and outpatiend
 
Separate Procedure

Lysis of adhesions (44005 OR 44180) can be coded ONLY when it is the ONLY procedure performed.

If the surgeon had to perform extensive lysis of adhesions before the primary procedure could be completed, then you might be able to append a -22 modifier to your primary procedure code - IF - big, red IF - this is properly documented.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC
 
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