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Wiki Decortication with Lobectomy

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krisfelty

krisfelty

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Ok so what would you say:

DX: PE, Empyema w/ complete hepatization of the right lower lobe w/complete consolidation and necrotic right lower lobe.

Procedure: Rt Thoracotomy w/ decortication of the entire right chest cavity along with right lower lobe lobectomy.

Would you code 32220 and 32480/ or is one included in the other. Or, is there a completely different code all together.

Thanks,

Kris Felty, CPC, CCC, CCVTC
 
I agree with coding 32480 for lobectomy, but since only right chest cavity is decorticated, it makes it partial decort and hence I would code 32225 with mod 51 instead of 32220.

HTH.
 
I would bill the 32480 with a note in the decription of right lower lobe and then the decortication 32220-51 with description on entire rt lung. They will deny at first and you will need to send notes. I have had that happen when a lower lobectomy and an upper segmentectomy are performed at the same time. I will usually get 50% on the second case but it will go to appeal first.
 
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