Reader Question:
Diagnosis Does Not Change Procedure Performed
Published on Mon Jul 21, 2008
Question: If a diagnostic laparoscopy finds pelvic congestion syndrome, is this still 49320?
Arizona Subscriber Answer: The final diagnosis does not change the procedure performed. If the ob-gyn performed only a diagnostic laparoscopy, you would report only that procedure (49320, Laparoscopy, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum, diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen[s] by brushing or washing [separate procedure]).
The diagnosis does not change the CPT code -quot; unless the ob-gyn did some other procedure in addition to the diagnostic laparoscopy. In that case, you bill that procedure instead, because the -look see- diagnostic portion of the procedure becomes integral to the surgical portion.
