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Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Laparoscopic to Laparotomy Warrants Mod 22

Published on Mon Jan 25, 2010

Question: A provider performed a laparoscopy that he aborted. The procedure turned into a laparotomy. The obgyn removed the left ovary and adhesions from the pelvic wall. How should I code this? California Subscriber Answer: Code the open procedure for the ovary removal (58940, Oophorectomy, partial or total, unilateral or bilateral). Add modifier 22 (Increased procedural service) to this code to represent the additional work in doing the laparoscopy and possibly the adhesiolysis, if well documented.
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