Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: What diagnosis code should I report for a groin mass?

Mississippi Subscriber

Answer: A groin mass can refer to a hernia lipoma or enlarged lymph node. Code 782.2 (Localized superficial swelling mass or lump) is the simplest diagnosis code for a groin mass. Before reporting this diagnosis confirm some details with your physician such as the mass depth and whether he dissected any lymph nodes during the procedure (if so you might want to look at 785.6 Enlargement of lymph nodes).
 
Code 00800 (Anesthesia for procedures on lower anterior abdominal wall; not otherwise specified) is probably the best anesthesia code for superficial removal of a groin mass.