Wiki open umb hernia rpr with lap chole

[robinson6445]

I recently attending a General Surgery coding meeting and was told that I can not bill and open umbilical hernia repair with a lap chole. The instructor stated the hernia repair in part of the closure. Thoughts????

 

[michellepilcher]

I was instructed if you had to do something to get to the main surgery (hernia repair for any abdominal procedure) it was part of the planned procedure. I would be interested in hearing other's opinions.