Reader Question:
Laparoscopic Burch Procedure
Published on Sun Jul 01, 2001
Question: How should we code for a laparoscopic Burch procedure, a laparoscopic enterocele repair, a cystoscopy and suprapubic catheter placement?
Michigan Subscriber
Answer: For the laparoscopic Burch procedure, use 51990 (laparoscopy, surgical; urethral suspension for stress incontinence). There is no code for a laparoscopic enterocele repair (an enterocele occurs when the intestines drop down and press against the vagina), so you must use an unlisted procedure code (58679 or 58999). The cystoscopy is 52000, and the catheter placement is 51010* (aspiration of bladder; with insertion of suprapubic catheter). Bill 51990, 58679-51 ( -multiple procedures), 52000-51 and 51010-51.
You will have to file this claim on paper because of the unlisted procedure code. Explain that the enterocele repair is very similar to the Burch in the amount of work, so the fee should be about the same.
For diagnosis codes, link stress incontinence (625.6) to the Burch procedure and the cystoscopy, enterocele (618.6) to the enterocele repair, and incomplete bladder evacuation (788.21) to the catheter placement.
