Reader Questions:
Tackle the Lap Removal of Cervix Question
Published on Sun Feb 10, 2008
Question: My ob-gyn performed a laparoscopic removal of tubes/ovaries and cervix. Should I use an unlisted code for this? Iowa Subscriber Answer: The laparoscopic removal of the tubes and ovaries is 58661 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with removal of adnexal structures [partial or total oophorectomy and/or salpingectomy]). You won't find any code for the laparoscopic removal of the cervix. Therefore, you will have to either go with modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) appended to 58661 or report the unlisted procedure code 58578 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, uterus). You would use this unlisted procedure code because the cervix is a structure of the uterus. Compare 58578 to a trachelectomy (57530, Trachelectomy [cervicectomy], amputation of cervix [separate procedure]). Code 57530 approximates the work, but you cannot report it because the ob-gyn did the procedure laparoscopically. The payer will want to know how much they should reimburse for it, and this comparison will help