Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

49659 Best Describes Lap Repair of Hernia in the Intestine

Question: My gastroenterologist performed laparoscopic release and repair of an incarcerated internal hernia of the small intestine. Should I bill an unlisted code such as 49659?New York SubscriberAnswer: Unlisted code it is, but you should report 44238 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, intestine [except rectum]) instead of 49659 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, hernioplasty, herniorrhaphy, herniotomy). The lap hernia codes (49650- 49659) describe laparoscopic repair of hernias in the abdominal wall. Your situation involves an internal hernia in the small intestine, and CPT does not provide a specific code for it.Another way: If your gastroenterologist performed an open release and repair of an incarcerated internal hernia of the small intestine, you would still use a code that involved the "intestines," would be 44050 (Reduction of volvulus, intussusception, internal hernia, by laparotomy). -- Clinical and coding expertise for this issue provided by Michael Weinstein, MD, a gastroenterologist in Washington, D.C., and former member of the AMA's [...]
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