tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2024 Issue Q1

You Be the Coder: Exposing the Trachea May Lead to Overlapping Procedures

Question: Our provider performed a routine planned tracheostomy that includes the following documentation within the operative report: “I vertically divided the superficial layer of deep cervical fascia using monopolar cautery. I then continued dissection until the thyroid isthmus was identified. The isthmus was partially divided using bipolar electrocautery.” Can I bill for 60200 in addition to the tracheostomy? Georgia Subscriber Answer: The key to answering this question requires a firm understanding of what services to include within the planned tracheostomy, which you will report with 31600 (Tracheostomy, planned (separate procedure)). Even though this question routinely causes headaches...

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