Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Question: The facility we use for surgeries is getting a Da Vinci Robot, so our physicians are being trained to use it. From what I’ve been told and the research I’ve done, billing robotic hysterectomies is still based on how it was performed (laparoscopic, vaginal...) and is billed using the standard hysterectomy codes:

• 58541-58544 for laparoscopic supracervical hysts
• 58548 for a radical laparoscopic hyst
• 58550-58544 for laparoscopic vaginal hysts
• 58570-58573 for total laparoscopic hysts

Is this correct? Also, should I be using a modifier or anything to indicate that it was done with robotic assistance?

California Subscriber

Answer: You are correct. You should only bill the code that represents the basic laparoscopic procedure. You may, however, add the S code S2900 (Surgical techniques requiring use of robotic surgical system (list separately in addition to code for primary procedure)). But keep in mind that this code is informational and will not normally result in a higher payment to the physician. The facility, of course, will bill for the robotic equipment as part of their fees.