General Surgery Coding Alert

Maintain status quo for lap fundoplication coding.CPT 2011 adds nine new codes for open hiatal hernia repair and esophagogastric fundoplication, but codes for comparable laparoscopic procedures remain the same -- except for one new add-on code you should know about.Pull down the pay you deserve with this how-to laparoscopic coding review -- and learn how to add +43283 (Laparoscopy, surgical, esophageal lengthening procedure [e.g., Collis gastroplasty or wedge gastroplasty] [List separately in addition to code for primary procedure]) to your laparoscopic coding tool box.Retain 43281-43282 for Lap Hiatal Hernia Repair With/Without FundoplicationIf your surgeon performs a laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair, you should choose the appropriate code based on whether the surgeon implants mesh as part of the procedure, as follows:43281 -- Laparoscopy, surgical, repair of paraesophageal hernia, includes fundoplasty, when performed; without implantation of mesh43282 -- ... with implantation of mesh.You'll see higher pay for the procedure with mesh placement: $1,575.15 for 43281 versus [...]