Advanced Search

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

You be the coder:

Weigh Your Aspiration, Biopsy Options

Published on Tue Jan 19, 2010

Question: My ob-gyn aspirated and biopsied an ovarian cyst laparoscopically. I received a denial when I bill 49321 and 49322 together. Is there a reason? Nevada Subscriber Answer: If the ob-gyn performs these procedures on different cysts -- as in, biopsying one and aspirating the other -- you can bill both codes. Remember, not all payers follow Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits, so they may bundle these codes. If the payer is denying the claim as "incidental" or "bundled," then try adding modifier 59 (Distinct proced ural service) to 49321. Alternatively, if the biopsy was on the left side and the aspiration on the right, use modifiers LT (Left side) and RT (Right side). If your ob-gyn is performing 49321 (Laparoscopy, surgical; with biopsy [single or multiple]) and 49322 (... with aspiration of cavity or cyst [e.g., ovarian cyst] [single or multiple]) on the same cyst, then you can report only one of [...]
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