Wiki Bariatric Surgery Question

[nicholbiz]

Hello,
I'm trying to help out a new Bariatric surgeon. I code Orthopedics now, and have coded numerous other specialties in the past, but never Gastro. Can you bill things like the Nissen procedure or a ventral hernia repair with the sleeve gastrectomy or the bypass, and get paid for them? Also, what would be a good reference for me to pass on to her (either online or in book form)?
Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Pam Warren]

I don't see any CCI edits for these lap procedures, but I'll never guarantee payment! That's up to the payers.

There is some regulatory guidance with CMS having to do with Bariatric Surgery. Also, you may want to look at the criteria involved in becoming a Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence.