tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2003 Issue 12

Reader Question: Rely on Unlisted-Procedure Code for Laparoscopy Ventral Hernia Repair

Question: How can I report laparoscopic ventral hernia repair? Code 49560 seems closest, but it does not specify "laparoscopic."New York Subscriber Answer: In this case, your only choice is 49659 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, hernioplasty, herniorrhaphy, herniotomy). Only inguinal hernias include codes to describe laparoscopic repair (49650, Laparoscopy, surgical; repair initial inguinal hernia). And because 49560 (Repair initial incision or ventral hernia; reducible) does not specify "laparoscopic," you would not report this code either.   When you report an "unlisted-procedure" code, you should provide full documentation with the claim. And, if the surgeon places mesh during the procedure...

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