Advanced Search

Anesthesia Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Several Options Apply for Prostate Seed Implant

Published on Thu Mar 01, 2007

Question: What anesthesia code should I submit for prostate seed implant?

Kansas Subscriber


Answer: Base your coding on the physician's approach or on what he tells you about the procedure.

You'll most likely report radioactive seed implants with 55860 (Exposure of prostate, any approach, for insertion of radioactive substance), which crosses to anesthesia code 00860 (Anesthesia for extraperitoneal procedures in lower abdomen, including urinary tract; not otherwise specified).

Code 55875 (Transperineal placement of needles or catheters into prostate for interstitial radioelement application, with or without cystoscopy) might apply instead, depending on the surgeon's approach. Code 55875 crosses to anesthesia code 00400 (Anesthesia for procedures on the integumentary system on the extremities, anterior trunk and perineum; not otherwise specified) with alternate code 00902 (Anesthesia for; anorectal procedure).

Because of all the options, talk with your physicians to learn the approach so you can code accordingly.

You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Anesthesia Coding Alert

View All