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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Salpingostomy Means 59150

Published on Sun Aug 24, 2003

Question: What procedure code should I use for a laparoscopic salpingostomy for an ectopic pregnancy?

Minnesota Subscriber Answer: There are two surgical treatments for ectopic pregnancy in the fallopian tube: The ob-gyn places a hole in the tube to remove the gamete (salpingostomy), or he removes the tube (salpingectomy). To report the hole-in-the-tube approach, you should use 59150 (Laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy; without salpingectomy and/or oophorectomy). If the surgeon removes the tube to treat the ectopic pregnancy, you should bill 59151 (... with salpingectomy and/or oophorectomy).
 
Some coders may want to use 58673 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with salpingostomy [salpingoneostomy]), but 59150 much more precisely describes the procedure.
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