Anesthesia Coding Alert
No Real Code for Mesh Removal
Texas Subscriber
Answer: There is no specific code for mesh removal, so the code to use depends on the carrier.
Some carriers accept 49085 (Removal of peritoneal foreign body from peritoneal cavity). Others only accept 49999 (Unlisted procedure, abdomen, peritoneum and omentum).
If you're reporting anesthesia codes, 49085 crosses to 00840 (Anesthesia for intraperitoneal procedures in lower abdomen including laparoscopy; not otherwise specified), and 49999 crosses to 00790 (Anesthesia for intraperitoneal procedures in upper abdomen including laparoscopy; not otherwise specified) with 00840 as an alternative code. Choose the anesthesia code that reflects the procedure location.
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