tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2015 Issue 9

Reader Questions: Look for 'Separate Procedure' Bundles

Question: We have an op note that states that the surgeon injected air into the peritoneal cavity before performing laparoscopic splenectomy. I think we should report just 38120, but the surgeon things we should also report 49400. Who is correct? Connecticut Subscriber Answer: You are correct that the proper coding for the procedure is 38120 (Laparoscopic, surgicalsplenectomy) alone. You should not additionally report 49400 (Injection of air or contrast into peritoneal cavity [separate procedure]) for two, very good reasons: 1. When a CPT® code includes a parenthetic note stating “separate procedure” like 49400 does, you shouldn’t report...

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