tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2003 Issue 10

Reader Question: Bill Bronchoscopy With Thoracotomy

Question: Can I bill bronchoscopy with thoracotomy? North Carolina Subscriber Answer: A surgeon may perform (and separately bill for) bronchoscopy (31622, Bronchoscopy [rigid or flexible]; diagnostic, with or without cell washing [separate procedure]) for diagnostic purposes and recommend thoracic surgery when the scope identifies a problem. Chapter six of the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) clearly states, "If an endoscopy is performed for purposes of an initial diagnosis on the same day as the open procedure, the endoscopy is separately reported" [emphasis added]. In other words, if the scope uncovers the problem that leads to the decision for surgery...

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