tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2000 Issue 12

Reader Question: 49080* vs. 49420*

Question: Codes 49080* and 49420* seem to deal with the same procedure, and other than the amount of money reimbursed, I'm at a loss to know what indicators to use in charging the procedures. What is the difference between the two codes?Gloria Peterson Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, Sheboygan, Wis.Answer: There are several differences between the two codes. First, 49080* (peritoneocentesis, abdominal paracentesis, or peritoneal lavage [diagnostic or therapeutic]; initial) is usually performed to drain fluid for treatment or evaluation (i.e., reducing a buildup of fluid or analyzing it for the presence of blood) and then the...

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