Report only 1 craniotomy code, but add-ons might apply
Published on Mon Nov 23, 2009
Study this scenario to see if you catch all the extra code opportunities. Craniotomy cases can be some of your toughest to code because of all the potential variables -- and because even though you'll submit only one code for the craniotomy, you might be able to code additional services during the encounter. See how to work through the procedure step by step and determine what can be coded, based on this information from subscriber Rogelyn Johnson, neuroscience medical coder with INOVA Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. The case: The surgeon performed a right transfrontal ventriculostomy and right parieto occipital craniotomy to remove a pineal region mass. It included opening of the tentorium and resection of an infratentorial and supratentorial tumor. The physician's diagnosis was pineal region mass, supretentorial, and infratentorial, plus hydrocephalus. May we code the Mayfield head holder in addition to other parts of the surgery? Starting point: Placing the [...]
