Wiki Breast expander exchange

[such78]

Which is the appropriate CPT for breast expander exchange?

DX: expander displacement, hx of breast cancer

Surgeon removed expander, and replaced with a new expander.


Please advice. Thank you.

 

[fwnewbie]

The complication (displacement) as primary because that is focus of this encounter. For second code, look for the reason for the expander - mastectomy, then code the cancer.

It's like walking down a flight of stairs (bear with me!). Step 1: The purpose of THIS encounter is to Replace a dysfunctioning implant leading you to "Complication" (displacement of expander).
Step 2: The reason patient HAS an expander in place leads to Hx of mastectomy.
Step 2: The reason patient HAD a mastectomy leads to Hx of Ca.

Break the process down, starting with the most recent/current action being taken, then take one step at a time to show the story of this patient's journey.

 

[dkissel]

11971 for the removal of tissue expander
19357 for the placement of tissue expander

 

[such78]

11971 for the removal of tissue expander
19357 for the placement of tissue expander

Thank you for input. The lay of description of 11971 is removal of tissue expander(s)without insertion of prosthesis. I emailed our auditor for recommendation for this case, still waiting.