Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: Patient had a known septate uterus and vagina. After a vaginal delivery, the ob-gyn noted the vaginal septum to be lacerated. The cervix was examined, and there was a thick cervical septum remnant that was bleeding. The ob-gyn decided to excise both. I know 57130 is the code for vaginal septum excision, but I can’t fine a code for excision of the cervical septum. What is it?

North Dakota Subscriber

Answer:  You won’t find a code for the excision of the cervical septum, because one doesn’t exist. You should add modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) to 57130 (Excision of vaginal septum) if the ob-gyn described significant addition work in removing the cervical remnant.

Also, remember the control of bleeding is part of every vaginal delivery, so the ob-gyn will really need to make his case for this.