Advanced Search

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

CPT 17110 Definition Contains Plasma Ablation, Too

Published on Mon Oct 10, 2011

Question: Our gastroenterologist treats a patient who has a gastrostomy tube. The op note indicates that the patient has "some issues with granulation tissue at the stomal site that gets irritated and bleeds." The physician performed "argon plasma photoablation of granulation tissue at stomal site." Can I use 17110 even though its descriptor says nothing about plasma ablation?Oklahoma SubscriberAnswer: Yes. You should use 17110 (Destruction [e.g., laser surgery, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemosurgery, surgical curettement], of benign lesions other than skin tags or cutaneous vascular proliferative lesions; up to 14 lesions) for the procedure. Link that to a diagnosis of 701.5 (Other abnormal granulation tissue).Although 17110 doesn't specifically mention plasma ablation, the wording doesn't rule it out, either. Gastroenterologists usually use argon plasma coagulation -- jet of ionized gas -- to treat bleeding inside the body.
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 Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 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

Other Articles in this issue of

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

View All