Wiki Surgical coding ? Please help

[cwilno]

Please help. I am newly certified and have not coded surgeries to date, and I am struggling with the following two cases:

(1) Left video assisted thoracoscopy, talc pleurodesis, removal of fibrin debris>>>
32650, 32601, 32150-LT
Am I even close? Do I need modifiers?

(2) Robotic assisted left upper lobectomy, lymph node dissection, fiber optic bronchoscopy and lymph node dissection and intercostal block>>>
32480, S2900, 38542, 64421, 31625

I am desparate for your help!
Thank you,
Cindy

 

[dpumford]

Ok, will try w/o reading the reports.

First report; 32650. Surgical thoracoscopy is always included in the diagnostic. 32150 is under thoracotomy so I am not sure without seeing report.

2nd: If this was an open procedure then 32480 is correct. Depending on documentation can code 31625 w/mod 59 but I would also look at 31622.
I am thinking that instead of 38542 you may want to code( look at) 38746. Pain busters (64421) are included in the surgical pkg and can't be coded separately
S2900 is ok just a informational code and no money should be attached.

With out seeing report I can't be 100 % but this should help lead you into the right direction.

Good Luck!

 

[cwilno]

Thank you for your help!