Wiki Need help with CPT 38724

sutherngyrl

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My doctor wants to bill CPT 38724 for:
The posterior neck dissection was then performed to remove all remaining lymphatic tissue and nodes.  The spinal accessory nerve was identified in level 5 and noted to course into the tumor, this was freed and preserved. Due to involvement of level 5B, a selective  neck dissection with removal of all fibrofatty tissue in the level 5B was removed. The flap pedicle was also identified and preserved. Smaller branches feeding the tumor were resected.

TYIA
 
Hello,
Here are the lay terms for 38724, they might be able to help you determine if you have the correct code.

The provider excises the lymph nodes and any diseased soft tissue he finds in the cervical area. He takes care to dissect free and preserve the spinal accessory nerve, the jugular vein, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle during the procedure. This service is done to excise the diseased lymph nodes, and prevent an extensive disease from spreading further.

Clinical Responsibility
When the patient is appropriately prepped and anesthetized, the provider adjusts the head and neck of the patient to provide better exposure of the target area. The provider makes a long incision starting under the ear and extending down the neck and out to the chin. He identifies the areas of disease, excises the lymph nodes, and any other tissues involved in or near the area of disease. He takes extra time and effort to carefully dissect out and preserve the spinal accessory nerve, the jugular vein, and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. He reapproximates the tissues and closes the incision in layers.

Tips
Code 38724 bundles into many other procedures for treatment of extensive cancer of the head and neck. If the provider performs radical neck dissection in the global period of another procedure to remove the actual tumor, then the provider may need to append modifier 58, Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician during the postoperative period, to code 38724.

If the provider performs a complete lymphadenectomy on one side but less than a complete lymphadenectomy on the other side such as biopsy only, code both services with modifier 59, Distinct procedural service, on the less extensive service.

Hope this helps,
 
-80 is a valid modifier on 38724 per Codify. Perhaps it is bundling into another code also billed or another provider also billed the assist??
 
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