Wiki HELP!!! Can anyone help with this CPT code?

[pamw123@yahoo.com]

The patient had the following procedures listed on the operative report:

Laparoscopic appendectomy and Laparoscopic excision of pericolonic mass

We have the correct CPT code for the laparoscopic appendectomy, but can't find one that we feel is correct for the laparoscopic excision of pericolonic mass. We were leaning toward the 49321. Does anyone have any idea on this?

The report stated: Next, we grossly observed the abdomen. Adjacent to the pericolonic fat involving the sigmoid colon, there was 2-cm, firm, benign-appearing nodule or mass. This was excised in an avascular plane and removed from the peritoneal cavity to send to Pathology.

Thanks in advance for you help!!!

 

[mm.rogers@comcast.net]

Hi there!

As much as I hate unlisted codes, I would tend to lean towards 49329 as his report indicates an excision, not a biopsy, especially given the size of the nodule. Had he sampled the nodule, then I would agree with 49321, but I understand why you like this code.

I hope this helps!