Reader Question:
Coding a Pre-op Visit
Published on Tue Feb 01, 2000
Question: For 58671 (laparascopy, surgical; with occlusion of oviducts by device [e.g., band. clip or Falope ring]), is the pre-op visit considered part of the surgical package?
Gary Yochim, D.O.
Leitchfield, Ky.
Answer: Typically, you may bill the preoperative visit in which the decision to perform the procedure was made. Other visits performed prior to the procedure for obtaining informed consent and other administrative functions should not
be billed.
Sources for answers to reader questions: Melanie Witt, RN, CPC, MA, former Program Manager, Department of Coding and Nomenclature, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and Susan Callaway-Stradley, CPC, CCS-P, an independent coding consultant and educator based in North Augusta, S.C.
