tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2000 Issue 8

Reader Question: Removal of Marlex Dual Mesh

Question: What code would you use for the removal of an infected Marlex Dual Mesh by laparotomy that was previously placed at a hernia repair? Also included in the procedure was drainage of an intra-abdominal abscess and debridement of the wound. How does this affect the coding?Pamela GriffithSugar Land, TexasAnswer: The removal of a foreign body from the peritoneal cavity is bundled with the drainage of the abscess, so you would only bill code 49020 (drainage of peritoneal abscess or localized peritonitis, exclusive of appendiceal abscess; open) to cover everything that was done, says Barbara Cobuzzi, MBA, CPC...

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