tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2002 Issue 4

Reader Question: Wedge Biopsy of Liver

Question: An exploratory laparotomy and wedge biopsy of the liver were performed. The mass was excised, sent to pathology and returned positive. How should this be coded?Florida Subscriber  Answer: The correct code for a wedge biopsy of the liver is 47100. Unlike other liver biopsies, it is considered an excision because the surgeon takes a wedge of liver and then sutures the excised edges to prevent bleeding. It may be difficult to obtain payment for the wedge biopsy if it is performed during the same session as another abdominal procedure. Carriers may bundle the two, even...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci General Surgery Coding Alert.


Leverage vital, to-the-point monthly guidance to boost your reporting accuracy and your coding know-how. We make it convenient for your team to stay informed, compliant, and profitable with a subscription to TCI’s General Surgery Coding Alert.

  • Current newsletters added each month
  • Fully searchable archives - over 2100 articles
  • ALL years/issues back to 1999 organized by year and issue
  • Codes mentioned in articles are linked to Code Information pages
  • Code Information pages link back to related articles
Access to this feature is available in the following products:
  • tci General Surgery Coding Alert +Archives

demo
request yours today
 subscribe
start today
 newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.