Coding Update: Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy with incision for specimen removal

Coding Clinic for HCPCS Fourth Quarter 2019, question 4, assigned a code for an open total abdominal hysterectomy ( 58150 ), due to the separate abdominal incision required to remove the large uterine specimen. However, the uterine, cervical, and fallopian tube detachments, which were the majority of the procedure, were detached laparoscopically. More recent information published in CPT Assistant advised that the extension of a trocar site or an incision at an alternative location, for specimen removal, does not equate to an open procedure. We are asking Coding Clinic for HCPCS to revisit this advice. ...

Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.

articles:    previous index next
Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AHA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article reviews a hysterectomy coding scenario involving laparoscopic dissection with a separate incision for specimen extraction. It explains why the issue matters for facility reporting, references guidance from Coding Clinic for HCPCS and CPT Assistant, and focuses on how coding authorities are approaching the distinction between laparoscopic and open procedures in this context. The content is relevant to facility coders, HIM professionals, and others responsible for surgical coding accuracy.

Why This Topic Matters

Accurate procedure reporting depends on understanding how coding guidance treats specimen removal when most of the surgery is completed laparoscopically. The article highlights a common coding interpretation issue that can affect claim accuracy and compliance.

What You Will Learn

  • How coding guidance addresses laparoscopic hysterectomy cases with separate specimen removal incisions.
  • Why recent coding publications may affect facility reporting for surgical procedures.
  • What kinds of coding authority updates are relevant when procedure approaches are in question.
  • How hysterectomy cases can raise interpretation issues for coders and facilities.

Who Should Read This

  • Facility coders
  • HIM professionals
  • Outpatient coding staff
  • Revenue cycle professionals
  • Surgical coding specialists

Codes Discussed


Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.

The AHA Coding Clinic for HCPCS includes:

  • The official publication for Level I HCPCS (CPT-4 codes) for hospital providers
  • Also specific Level II HCPCS codes for hospitals, physicians and other health professionals
  • Current newsletters added each quarter
  • Full Archives back to 2001
  • Fully searchable through Find-A-Code's Comprehensive Search
  • Codes mentioned in articles are linked to Code Information pages
  • Code Information page link back to related articles
  • View all the articles associated with any code, right from the code page!
Access to this feature is available in the following products:
  • AHA's Coding Clinic® - HCPCS +Archives

Related Articles

Articles are listed in order of calculated relevance.

demo
request yours today
 subscribe
start today
 newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.

Aimee- AI -powered coding assistant - Try it now for Free Would you like Aimee - AI
to help you with this?