adhesiolysis
Hope this information is helpful to all of you confused about billing adhesions. They have been a thorn in my side for years. This information gives us more coding options.
Lysis of intestinal adhesions reporting with other intestine codes
CPT Assistant, January 2000 Page: 11 Category: Coding Consultation
Related Information:
Surgery Digestive System Intestines (Except Rectum)
Question
Is it appropriate to ever report code 44005 with the other intestine codes? If so, under what circumstances?
AMA Comment
From a CPT coding perspective there are some instances when you could report code 44005 with other intestine codes. In the instance where dense, extensive adhesions require significantly greater physician work and procedural complexity, it would be appropriate to report code 44005-59 in addition to the intestinal surgery procedure. The physician would need to document these circumstances in the operative report.
Enterolysis
CPT Assistant, April 2000 Page: 10 Category: Coding Consultation
Related Information
SurgeryDigestive System
Question
When extensive enterolysis of adhesions is performed during hernia repair, is it appropriate to report code 44005, Enterolysis (freeing of intestinal adhesion) (separate procedure), in addition to the hernia repair codes (49495-49659)?
AMA Comment
Code 44005 is designated as a separate procedure and is considered an integral component of the hernia repair codes. Therefore, code 44005 should not be reported separately. However, if the physician feels that the enterolysis performed was extensive and added significantly to the overall procedure, then modifier -22, Unusual procedural service, may be appended to the appropriate hernia repair code. A report should be submitted with the claim to describe the unusual work performed.