Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Hint: Use a modifier with an existing code to reflect partial work.If your ob-gyn converts a laparoscopic to an open procedure, your coding for endometrial cancer surgeries can drastically transform. Follow these three steps to ward against denials.Review This Op NotePreoperative diagnosis: Adenocarcinoma of the endometrium.Postoperative diagnosis: Same as above, but greater than 50 percent myometrial invasion, pathology pending.Operation performed: Laparoscopic assisted transvaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, laparotomy with pelvic and periaortic node dissection, partial omentectomy, pelvic washings.Procedure: Exam of the pelvic organs revealed an 8-week-size uterus. The right and left ovaries appear to be within normal limits. The ob-gyn found no evidence of excrescences or signs of metastatic disease in the lower pelvis along the bowel or serosa, nor did he discover evidence of metastatic disease in the upper abdomen, liver and dome of the diaphragm. He then performed a dissection.He removed the uterus vaginally with the assistance [...]