Wiki OPEN vs LAP COLECTOMY

[jlb0807]

Hello All!

Lately I've had a few surgeries where my doctors will start the colectomies laparoscopically and finish them open. They normally do the takedown of the splenic flexure laparoscopically, open the patient, then do the colectomy and anastomosis. I know that we can't bill part open and part lap. I was wondering if there was anything in writing anywhere that said we can't bill the whole procedure either open or lap? Please help!

Thanks in advance!

 

[jjhamer1]

I also have encountered a few of these ... these are deemed "laparoscopic-assisted" colectomy.
Though the surgeon takes down the splenic flexure by "lap"...if the bowel is brought out extracorporeal (outside the body)...the procedure is then coded as an open procedure. This is typically called an extended laparoscopic colectomy.
If the resection and anastomosis is carried out intracorporeal (inside the body) this would then be coded as laparoscopic.
I also had a bit of confusion...first time around!