General Surgery Coding Alert
Look to CPT for 'Primary' Codes
Question: Which codes are "primary" for add-on code 44139? May I report it with total abdominal colectomy (44150)? In most cases (including this one), CPT will include a parenthetical reference following the code descriptor that specifies all the primary codes with which you may report an add-on procedure.
Florida Subscriber
Answer: You may report +44139 (Mobilization [take-down] of splenic flexure performed in conjunction with partial colectomy [list separately in addition to primary procedure]) with any of seven primary codes, according to CPT:
You may not apply 44139 with any other codes, including 44150 (Colectomy, total, abdominal, without proctectomy; with ileostomy or ileoproctostomy). The descriptor for 44139 clearly states, "in conjunction with partial colectomy," whereas 44150 describes a total colectomy.
General Surgery Coding Alert
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