tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2023 Issue Q4

You Be the Coder: Avoid These Appendectomy Pitfalls

Question: Our surgeon began a laparoscopic appendectomy for a patient with signs of an infected appendix, including sudden pain around the navel that shifted to right lower abdominal quadrant, along with nausea. During the procedure, the surgeon identified that the appendix had ruptured, with extensive inflammation in the abdominal cavity. The surgeon then converted to an open procedure. The surgeon also performed debridement and lavage to remove infected tissue and fluid but made no mention of perforation or abscess. How should we code the service? Oregon Subscriber Answer: The codes for the two procedures — open or laparoscopic appendectomy...

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