Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Code Mini-Lap Only With Significant Work

Question: Is there a CPT code for a mini-laparotomy with left salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy? The ob-gyn also performed a dilation and curettage and laparoscopy.

Texas Subscriber Answer: In this case, you should report 59151 (Laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy; with salpingectomy and/or oophorectomy) as well as 58120-51 (Dilation and curettage, diagnostic and/or therapeutic [nonobstetrical]; multiple procedures) for the dilation and curettage. You should bill the mini-laparotomy only if the physician performs significant work, which is not always the case. You should code a mini-laparotomy using the Hasson technique at the time of the laparoscopy by adding a modifier -22 (Unusual procedural services) to the primary procedure, according to CPT.
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