tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2008 Issue 2

Reader Question: Appendectomy Can Be Separate With Disease

Question: Our surgeon performed a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and, while there, directed the laparoscope-into the right lower abdomen and visualized the appendix. The surgeon found the tip of the appendix to be firmer than would be completely normal. He decided to remove the appendix also. Should I charge for lap chole (47562) and appendectomy (44950)? Or should I code 47562 and 44955 for the appendectomy? New York Subscriber Answer: Although Medicare and other payers won't reimburse for removing a healthy appendix, you can consider an appendectomy as separate if: - there is a documented problem with the appendix, and -...

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