General Surgery Coding Alert

Tip:Watch for the AlloDerm coding changes coming on July 1. Surgeons now commonly use AlloDerm in a variety of surgeries, including breast reconstruction procedures. This product and the work associated with using it can present some unique coding challenges. Let our experts help you sort through some of the breast reconstruction surgery coding myths you might encounter. Uncover the truth about AlloDerm coding using this case study presented by Dolores D. Carey, CCS-P, physician-based coder for Loyola University Physician Foundation in Maywood, Ill. Operative note: The surgeon performed a bilateral mastectomy. He created a submuscular pocket on the patients left side after achieving meticulous hemostasis and removing the pec inferiorly. He placed an implant --- medium-height Contour Profile Mentor 275cc - into the pocket after achieving meticulous hemostasis. Next, the surgeon fashioned AlloDerm acellular dermis for the inferior pole in a standard fashion and sutured it in place with #2-0 PDS [...]