Anesthesia Coding Alert

Question: What are the correct surgical and anesthesia code for repair of a recto-vulvar fistula?

New Jersey Subscriber

Answer: Surgeons can choose different approaches to the procedure, so verify that you eliminate the choices based on the operative notes. The most common options include:

• 57300 -- Closure of rectovaginal fistula; vaginal or transanal approach; corresponding anesthesia code 00902 (Anesthesia for; anorectal procedure) )
• 57305 -- ... abdominal approach; corresponding anesthesia code 00840 (Anesthesia for intraperitoneal procedures in lower abdomen including laparoscopy; not otherwise specified)
• 57307 -- ... abdominal approach, with concomitant colostomy; anesthesia code 00840 or 00790 (Anesthesia for intraperitoneal procedures in upper abdomen including laparoscopy; not otherwise specified), depending on whether it was upper or lower intraperitoneal procedure
• 57308 -- ... transperineal approach, with perineal body reconstruction, with or without levator placation; anesthesia code 00902.