• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

T/E replaced with Perm Implants

I

idjimenez

Contributor
Messages
13
Location
Oceanside, NY
I know the correct code to use is 11970 for the replacement of tissue expanders with perm implants. But, would you also code 19340 - Immediate insertion of breast prothesis? I checked the Ingenix coding edits, and unless I'm looking in the wrong place, they do not show as being bundled with one another. Any advise would be a great help!

Thanks! :confused:
 
No - you would just use the 11970. From CPT Assistant August 2005:

If a temporary tissue expander has been used, it is removed after the skin has stretched sufficiently and replaced with a permanent breast prosthesis during a second operation. This procedure is generally coded 11970, Replacement of tissue expander with permanent prosthesis. Code 11970 is global and includes removal of the temporary expander, which is not to be reported separately. In certain instances, considerable capsular adjustments are necessary to allow proper placement of the prosthesis within the fibrous capsule that has formed around the expander, and with appropriate documentation in the operative report, code 19342 is sometimes used instead of 11970.

Hope this helps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top