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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Go Back in for a Reopening Code

Published on Thu Apr 28, 2005

Question: Should I use 49000 for exploratory laparotomy with evacuation of pelvic hematoma, or is there a more specific code?

Nebraska Subscriber Answer: If the patient has just had abdominal surgery and the ob-gyn goes back in for the procedure you describe, you should use 49002 (Reopening of recent laparotomy). If you are still in the global period for the first surgery, remember to add modifier -78 (Return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period). Otherwise, you are correct in reporting 49000 (Exploratory laparotomy, exploratory celiotomy with or without biopsy[s] [separate procedure]).
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