Advanced Search

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Remember Modifier 78 With Return to OR

Published on Mon Jul 16, 2007

Question: The patient returned to the operating room for ligation of a bleeding artery after an open bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO).-The operative report indicates that the right infundibulopelvic ligament had an artery that slipped through the suture and was bleeding.-What is the correct way to code this?
South Dakota Subscriber
Answer: You should report 37617 (Ligation, major artery [e.g., post-traumatic, rupture]; abdomen). Be sure to append modifier 78 (Return to the operating room for a related procedure during the postoperative period).            
You should link this code to 998.11 (Hemorrhage complicating a procedure) to indicate the medical necessity for returning to the operating room.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

View All