tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2006 Issue 10

READER QUESTIONS: 'Hand-Assisted' Laparoscopy Is Still Laparoscopy

Question: What is, and how should I code for, -hand-assisted laparoscopy-?Texas Subscriber Answer: -Hand-assisted- laparoscopy describes a procedure in which the surgeon makes a slightly larger-than-usual incision. Prior to inserting the laparoscope, the surgeon inserts a device called a pneumo sleeve, which allows him to place one hand in the abdomen while maintaining the pneumoperitoneum required to perform a laparoscopic procedure. Using the pneumo sleeve or -hand assist- does not alter coding for the procedure. As such, you should stick with the laparoscopic codes rather than turn to unlisted-procedure or -open- procedure codes when describing a hand-assisted laparoscopy...

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