Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Question:

CCI Edit? Remember to Check Modifier Indicator

Published on Thu Sep 13, 2012

Question: I am trying to see if I can bill two procedures -- supracervical hysterectomy and ureterolysis for retroperitoneal fibrosis -- but I run into a problem. I get a message stating "Inappropriate interpretation of CPT® Code Definition" when I check the CCI Edits in my coding software. Is this right?Florida Subscriber

Answer: The Correct Coding Initiative bundles ureterolysis (50715, Ureterolysis, with or without repositioning of ureter for retroperitoneal fibrosis) into 58180 (Supracervical abdominal hysterectomy [subtotal hysterectomy], with or without removal of tube[s], with or without removal of ovary[s]). However, check out the modifier indicator of "1." That means you can use modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) if you have met the requirements.

This message may be their way of restating the CCI bundling message of "misuse of column 2 code with column 1 code."

Key: Remember that the ureters have to be dissected away from the uterus in order to remove it. Make sure your op note supports the ureterolysis for the medical condition of retroperitoneal fibrosis -- not just normal dissection.

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