Wiki Laproscopic appendectomy followed by unbilical hernia repair

[nuts]

Hello,

My doctor did a laproscopic appendectomy followed by an umbilical hernia repair ( planned procedures) cpt codes used are 44970 and 49585, these codes are not bundled according
to cci edits, neither code is considered a separate procedure. Can I bill these together. Many articles I read state that the hernia cannot be billed with the lap appendectomy.

are the two codes billable together?

Thanks for your help.

 

[lindsey.hansen]

If a trocar was placed in the hernia defect then no you cannot bill separately but if it is not then yes w/ a 59 modifier.