Wiki placement of drains

[Valorie]

I am fairly new to surgery coding and from what I found there is not a separate code for placement of drains. Here is the detail from the op note

The drain wa placed right over the graft and another one in the subcu tissue and the skin was stapled. Drains were secured in place with 3-0 Ethilon.

Also what about placement of a Jackson Pratt or Blake drain?
Thanks
Valorie

 

[jmcpolin]

Where are they placing the drains and what are you draining?

 

[Valorie]

No not replacing drains The op note does not state exactly what the drain was for, the main procedures performed during the surgery were for an incarcerated hernias, adhesions, omental defect repair, and debridement of skin

 

[jmcpolin]

how about 49021?

 

[FTessaBartels]

Included in main procedure

Virtually all surgical procedure in the abdomen require use of drains postoperatively. There is no separate charge for this servce; it is included in the main procedure.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[jmcpolin]

good to know thanks!

 

[colorectal surgeon]

Agree with Tessa. You can't get paid extra for drains.

 

[Paigelyn]

Included in main procedure

Virtually all surgical procedure in the abdomen require use of drains postoperatively. There is no separate charge for this servce; it is included in the main procedure.

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[CostaRica1]

what about a drein pos lipoma excision?