CPT^® 44970, Under Laparoscopic Procedures on the Appendix

The Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) code 44970 as maintained by American Medical Association, is a medical procedural code under the range - Laparoscopic Procedures on the Appendix.

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Summary

The provider removes the appendix via laparoscopic technique. He performs this procedure because of an inflamed or burst appendix, a saclike structure situated in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen at the junction of the large and small intestines.

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Laparoscopic appendectomy

I would code the laparoscopic appendectomy as 44970. Perhaps there was another portion of the procedure that would explain the unlisted? I would also inquire with the coder regarding why unlisted was... [ Read More ]

Laparoscopic appendectomy

Looking for some guidance. Per my review of the OP report it appears CPT 44970 would be the appropriate code to bill for this surgery. However, the provider's coder billed this surgery under unlisted ... [ Read More ]

Surgeon is listing 44960, 44970 and 99222

Op note says Lap Appy, also ruptured appendix w/abscess. Dx is K35.32 Acute perforated appendix 44960 is listed under Excision 44970 is listed under Laparoscopy I code from book, do not have an enco... [ Read More ]

+44955- Laparoscopic or Open only?

[QUOTE="csperoni, post: 505078, member: 164618"] Let me get some clarification: 44204 was the primary procedure. The appendix was also removed but was normal and incidental? If that's the case, then... [ Read More ]

+44955- Laparoscopic or Open only?

Let me get some clarification: 44204 was the primary procedure. The appendix was also removed but was normal and incidental? If that's the case, then the appendectomy is not billed at all. IF th... [ Read More ]

Lap Appendectomy / Lap Cholecystectomy

Per 2021 NCCI "CPT code 44970 describes a laparoscopic appendectomy and may be reported separately with another laparoscopic procedure code when a diseased appendix is removed. Since removal of a norm... [ Read More ]

Appendectomy vs colectomy

Thank you for the advice! It's nice to hear what experiences other coders are having and how insurance companies are processing claims. We are going to code 44970 and see how Quartz processes the clai... [ Read More ]

Appendectomy vs colectomy

[QUOTE="thomas7331, post: 478663, member: 5404"] You are welcome! Looks like you are in a Catch-22 situation - code 44970 and fight with the insurance over the code not being authorized, or code 4420... [ Read More ]

Appendectomy vs colectomy

[QUOTE="Merlin0728, post: 478650, member: 264837"] Thank you for taking the time to reply! One issue we are having is that the 44204 was the code submitted for prior authorization however the surgery ... [ Read More ]

Appendectomy vs colectomy

[QUOTE="thomas7331, post: 478642, member: 5404"] Just my thoughts here and others may disagree - I would code this with 44970 because the partial cecectomy here appears to be incidental to the appende... [ Read More ]

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