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Anesthesia Coding Alert

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Excision of Diverticulum Depends on Approach

Published on Thu Apr 02, 2009

Question: What would be the best way to code an excision of a Zenkers diverticulum under general anesthesia? Should I try looking at limited esophagectomy? South Carolina Subscriber Answer: It depends on the surgical approach. If the surgery code is 43130 (Diverticulectomy of hypopharynx or esophagus, with or without myotomy; cervical approach), you must use 00320 (Anesthesia for all procedures on esophagus, thyroid, larynx, trachea and lymphatic system of neck; not otherwise specified, age 1 year or older). If the surgery is 43135 (Diverticulectomy of hypopharynx or esophagus, with or without myotomy; thoracic approach), use 00500 (Anesthesia for all procedures on esophagus).
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