Question: How can I report laparoscopic ventral hernia repair? Code 49560 seems closest, but it does not specify "laparoscopic."
New York Subscriber
Answer: In this case, your only choice is 49659 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, hernioplasty, herniorrhaphy, herniotomy). Only inguinal hernias include codes to describe laparoscopic repair (49650, Laparoscopy, surgical; repair initial inguinal hernia). And because 49560 (Repair initial incision or ventral hernia; reducible) does not specify "laparoscopic," you would not report this code either.
When you report an "unlisted-procedure" code, you should provide full documentation with the claim. And, if the surgeon places mesh during the procedure, you may report +49568 (Implantation of mesh or other prosthesis for incisional or ventral hernia repair [list separately in addition to the code for incisional or ventral hernia repair]) in addition to 49659.
- Technical and coding advice for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions provided by Marcella Bucknam, CPC, CCS-P, CPC-H, CCA, HIM program coordinator at Clarkson College in Omaha, Neb.
