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.