tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2016 Issue 2

Reader Question: Distinguish Hydrocele and Hernia Procedures

Question: If the surgeon repairs a reducible inguinal hernia and also excises a hydrocele at the same encounter, how should we code the case? Texas Subscriber Answer: The answer depends on the patient age. For a child younger than five years, you should report just one code for both procedures: 49500 (Repair initial inguinal hernia, age 6 months to younger than 5 years, with or without hydrocelectomy; reducible). But for a patient five years or older, you can report two codes for the two procedures, as follows: 49505 — Repair initial inguinal hernia, age 5 years or older; reducible...

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