General Surgery Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Don't Report Open and Laparoscopic Codes Together

Question: If CPT does not contain a code for a specific laparoscopic procedure, how should we code? Can we report a diagnostic laparoscopic code and the open code?

Tennessee Subscriber Answer: You should use only one code to describe a laparoscopic procedure, and you should never report open and laparoscopic codes for the same procedure. If CPT does not contain a specific code to describe the laparoscopic procedure your surgeon conducted, look for the appropriate "unlisted" laparoscopic code for the body site. For example, for a ventral hernia repaired laparoscopically, report 49659, (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, hernioplasty, herniorrhaphy, herniotomy). Be sure to include full documentation describing the procedure and include a cover letter suggesting a fee based on a procedure requiring similar physician effort, patient recovery, etc.
 
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

General Surgery Coding Alert

View All