May 2008 page 14c
Surgery: Digestive System, 42820, 42821 (Q&A)
Question: Which CPT code should be reported for a tonsillectomy
and adenoidectomy when the physician excises the tonsils
using electrocautery and then destroys, ablates, or vaporizes
the adenoid tissue using suction diathermy?
Answer: Code 42820, Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy;
younger than age 12, should be reported if the patient is
younger than age12. Code 42821 is reported for patients
12 and older. Suction diathermy is a term generally
applied to electrosurgery/electrocautery. Medical
diathermy generally indicates that no tissue harm or
destruction is done. Ablation implies removal or destruction
of...
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