Wiki Previous Thoracotomy

[zaida120]

If patient has had a previous thoracotomy would it be appropriate to code for lysis of adhesions if surgeon states in op report that adhesions were present and removed at time of thoracotomy or is this included in the procedure?

Preoperative Diagnosis:
1) Status post exploratory thoracotomy
2) Lung Mass

Postoperative Diagnosis:
1) Status post exploratory thoracotomy
2) Lung Mass

Procedure:
1) Lysis of adhesions from lung
2) Thoracotomy with excision of lung mass
3) Lymphadenectomy

Thanks for your help!

 

[lisigirl]

Lysis of adhesions will bundle. You can add the -22 modifier if taking down the adhesions added significant work and the documentation will support it.

Lisi, CPC