tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2009 Issue 12

Reader Questions: Sometimes 'Unlisted' Is the Only Option

Question: We did a laparoscopic gastric wedge excisional biopsy and I cannot find a code for laparoscopic. Is there a better code to use than 43659? Georgia Subscriber Answer: You are correct that there is no code for the procedure you have described. You will have to go with the unlisted procedure code to report the laparoscopic gastric wedge excisional biopsy. As you suggested, 43659 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, stomach) is the proper code to report. Why: Unfortunately, coding for lap procedures hasn't kept up with technology. If no precise procedure or service code exists, you should report the service...

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