Reader Question:
Parastomal Repair Code Depends on Stoma Revision
Published on Mon Mar 29, 2004
Question: Which code is appropriate to report parastomal hernia repair?
California Subscriber Answer: If the surgeon repairs/revises the stoma at the same time, report 44346 (Revision of colostomy; with repair of paracolostomy hernia [separate procedure]). If the surgeon did not revise the stoma, choose an appropriate code from the 49500-49590 range for incisional hernia repair (for example, 49560, Repair initial incisional or ventral hernia; reducible). -- Technical and coding advice for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Marcella Bucknam, CPC, CCS-P, CPC-H, HIM program coordinator at Clarkson College in Omaha, Neb.