Urology Coding Alert

Question: I'm looking for a code for "laparoscopic removal of adhesions between abdominal wall and omentum." My urologist did this during lap partial nephrectomy. What code should I report?

Oregon Subscriber

Answer: Your urologist performed lysis of adhesions, which you should include in the nephrectomy procedure. For the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, report 50543 (Laparoscopy, surgical; partial nephrectomy).

Modifier help: If the lysis of adhesions took extra time and effort -- and your urologist's documentation supports that -- you can consider appending modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) to earn extra reimbursement.

-- Answers to Reader Questions and You Be the Coder contributed by Michael A. Ferragamo, MD, FACS, clinical assistant professor of urology, University Hospital, State University of New York, Stony Brook.