Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
Coding 58925 and 49320 Is A Mistake
Question: My ob-gyn performed a diagnostic laparoscopy with ovarian cystectomy. Would it be wrong to code as 58925 and 49320-51?
Florida Subscriber
Answer: Yes. If you were to bill 58925 (Ovarian cystectomy, unilateral or bilateral) and 49320 (Laparoscopy, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum, diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing [separate procedure]), you would not only be unbundling an existing procedure but also incorrectly specifying the surgical method.
If the cyst was removed laparoscopically, and the ob-gyn removed no part of the ovary with it (or any part of the fallopian tube), you should report 58662 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with fulguration or excision of lesions of the ovary, pelvic viscera, or peritoneal surface by any method) for this procedure. If any part of the ovary/tube was removed with the cyst, you report 58661(... with removal of adnexal structures [partial or total oophorectomy and/or salpingectomy]).
Note that all procedures require exploration as part of expected and good surgical technique. The "diagnostic" part he listed is integral to the entire laparoscopic approach, and you should never bill it separately.
Ob-Gyn Coding Alert
- Obstetrics:
Take the 'Complicated' Out of Adding Complication Visits to the Global Ob Package
Hint: You can report complications before or after delivery. You can receive increased reimbursement when [...] - Gynecology:
Get to the Nitty-Gritty of Enterocele Combos -- and Get the Payment You Deserve
Find out what code to report for a "modified radical" abdominal procedure. Last month, you [...] - Modifiers:
2 Tips Show You How to Avoid Putting Modifier 59 on the Wrong Code
This ob-gyn example will demonstrate both incorrect and correct solutions.Although you may be in the [...] - ICD-10:
Your 669.7x Cesarean Delivery Codes Merge into 1 Code in ICD-10
Hint: You must include an outcome code. When you report the cesarean delivery code in [...] - You Be the Coder:
Tread Carefully With Cancer Diagnoses
Question:My ob-gyn removed a second lesion. The path reported severe dysplastic junctional melanocytic nevus exhibiting [...] - Reader Question:
Save Time-Based E/M for Counseling/Coordination Heavy Visits
Question: If the physician documents: "Time spent in the evaluation of the patient with mostly [...] - Reader Question:
Sort Out When to Report 634.91 and 632
Question: Can a patient be diagnosed with a 634.91 at her office visit and then [...] - Reader Question:
No History? Don't Assume Comprehensive Level
Question: Our physician admitted someone as an initial inpatient, but couldn't get all her information. [...] - Reader Question:
Coding 58925 and 49320 Is A Mistake
Question: My ob-gyn performed a diagnostic laparoscopy with ovarian cystectomy. Would it be wrong to [...]
