Urology Coding Alert
Reader Questions:
Make Sure to Append Modifier 22 Here
Published on Wed Jun 16, 2021
Question: My physician performed a robotic-assisted laparoscopic right partial nephrectomy of an inferior right renal mass and a superior right renal mass. How should I report this? AAPC Forum Member Answer: You should report 50543 (Laparoscopy, surgical; partial nephrectomy)-RT (Right side). If the physician spent extra time doing the second lesion and it extended the time of the operation, you should append modifier 22 (Increased procedural services) and document why your physician spent this extra time. You should not bill twice for the removal of the second tumor.
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