tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2006 Issue 5

Reader Questions: 'En Bloc' Alone Calls for 38100

Question: A patient has undergone en bloc splenectomy. This is the only procedure the surgeon performs at the time. How can I report this? According to CPT, I shouldn't claim 38102 as a stand-alone service.Illinois Subscriber Answer: The term -en bloc- means -to remove as a whole.- Therefore, an en bloc splenectomy is equivalent to a total splenectomy.For a total (or en bloc) splenectomy performed as a separate procedure, you should report only 38100 (Splenectomy; total [separate procedure]). Similarly, you should report 38101 (- partial [separate procedure]) for a partial splenectomy performed singly and not with...

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