General Surgery Coding Alert
Watch for Bundled Jejunostomy
Watch for 'Bundled' Jejunostomy Question: May we report jejunostomy separately with a Whipple procedure? Colorado Subscriber Answer: Several codes describe Whipple-type procedures, as follows: Note that 48150 and 48153 include jejunostomy. Therefore, if the surgeon performs jejunostomy during the same operative session as pancreatectomy, you should report 48150 or 48153, as appropriate. You should not report 48152 or 48154 with +44015 (Tube or needle catheter jejunostomy for enteral alimentation, intra-operative, any method [list separately in addition to primary procedure]).
General Surgery Coding Alert
- Be in the Know for 2003:
CPT Adds More New Codes, Greater Specificity
Along with the important changes covered last month, CPT 2003 has added or replaced dozens [...] - CCI Update:
More Bundled Injections, Infusions and Catheterizations
Among the approximately 40,000 revisions in version 9.0 of the Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) are [...] - You Be the Coder:
Categorize Uncertain Lesions as Benign
Test your coding knowledge. Determine how you would code this situation before looking at the [...] - Expect Lower Payments in 2003
CMS has announced a reduction in the national Physician Fee Schedule conversion factor to $34.5920 [...] - Reader Question:
Lipoma Removal Can Be Coded Several Ways
Question: I've been told that lipoma removals are always coded from the musculoskeletal system portion [...] - Reader Question:
Report 46221 Only Once Per Session
Question: If the physician removes multiple hemorrhoids using simple ligature, should I report 46221 for [...] - Reader Question:
Distinguish Consult from Established Patient Visit
Question: An internist requested a consult for an elderly patient with lower gastrointestinal (GI) pain [...] - Reader Question:
Watch for Bundled Jejunostomy
Watch for 'Bundled' Jejunostomy Question: May we report jejunostomy separately with a Whipple procedure? Colorado [...] - Reader Question:
Use Modifier -50 on Most Bilateral Hernias
Question: I've heard conflicting advice on whether I should append modifier -50 to hernia repairs. [...] - Reader Question:
Bill Separately for Central Venous Line
Question: May we bill separately for a central venous line (36489) placed at the same [...]
