Wiki Perforation of Esophagus

[dpumford]

Hi! I am coding for a Lt Thoracotomy Plus repair of perforated esophageal stricture with vascularized intercostal muscle patch.

Can anyone assist me

I am looking at codes 43415, and 43405.

Pt was having a Upper GI endoscopy and dilation and she was noted to choke and coughed up some blood. There was a perforation in the lower part of the esophagus. .

Therefore, she was emergently taken to the OR..That is were we came in.

Any advice would be welcomed~Thank you

 

[reyesjr]

Hi!

If you have a 2012/2013 coding book you can verify on which code to choose from, based on the doctor's notes whether the repair of the perforated esophageal involved ligation or stapling which points you to code 43405, or suture of esophageal wound or cavity, transthoracic or transabdominal approach that points to code 43515 . Not enough medical information was provided to help you in selecting the right code.