General Surgery Coding Alert
Reader Question:
Implant Removal Is Part of Excision
Published on Mon May 28, 2007
Question: The patient underwent a modified radical mastectomy with removal of implant capsule. Can we charge for both the mastectomy and removal, or is the implant removal bundled? Minnesota Subscriber Answer: The National Correct Coding Initiative does, indeed, bundle implant removal (19328-19330) to mastectomy (19300-19307). The only exception might occur if the mastectomy and implant removal occur on different breasts. In this case, append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to the removal and use modifiers LT (Left side) and RT (Right side) to designate on which side each of the procedures took place.
Other Articles in this issue of
General Surgery Coding Alert
- Make the Most of VAC/VAD in 3 Easy Steps
Not all wound care codes are limited to NPPs Although negative-pressure therapy, or vacuum-assisted drainage [...] - Learn Why It's Necessary to Demonstrate Medical Necessity
History and exam alone won't sustain your claim If you are a victim of the [...] - Why Modifiers 76 and 77 Matter -- Even When They Don't
Can you tell when a different modifier is a better choice? Here's how Medicare considers [...] - News That Affects You:
2007 Conversion Factor Doesn't Budge, Payments Will
Higher E/M reimbursement leads to cuts elsewhere Congress has reversed a proposed 5 percent decrease [...] - You Be the Coder:
How Does Depth Affect Excision Coding?
Question: The surgeon excised a lipoma from a patient's back measuring 5.0 cm x 4.0 [...] - Reader Question:
Placing Pump Won't Pay
Question: We have just started billing for the OnQ pain pump. Medicare is denying all [...] - Reader Question:
Implant Removal Is Part of Excision
Question: The patient underwent a modified radical mastectomy with removal of implant capsule. Can we [...] - Reader Question:
2 Day's Observation May Not Mean 2 Codes
Question: A patient is assigned to a hospitalist group for observation admission. 'The emergency department [...] - Reader Question:
Rely on Unlisted -- if It's Appropriate
Question: Our surgeons are using a laparoscopic technique for incisional hernia repairs, but we are [...]
View All
