+15777:
Avoid New Biologic Implant Code With Hernia
Published on Thu Jan 19, 2012
Save it for fascia support in soft tissue.If your surgeon frequently performs hernia repairs, you may have been delighted to spy new add-on code +15777 (Implantation of biologic implant [e.g., acellular dermal matrix] for soft tissue reinforcement [e.g., breast, trunk]) in CPT® 2012. But make no mistake -- this code does not apply to mesh used in hernia procedures, said Christopher K. Senkowski, MD, at the CPT® 2012 Annual Symposium in Chicago during his Nov. 17 "CPT® Changes: General Surgery" seminar."New code +15777 was developed for areas where there's a defect from a tumor resection, or where there's a need for fascia support such as a breast situation -- it's not something you're going to use in conjunction with a hernia repair," he said.Do this: Instead, report mesh implantation for hernia repairs with +49568 (Implantation of mesh or other prosthesis for open incisional or ventral hernia repair or mesh for closure of debridement [...]
