Billing for an Iatrogenic Injury, Not my Patient (Stage 1)

Question:

My surgeon was called to the OR by an OB-GYN who accidently lacerated the small bowel during an open gynecological procedure. She repaired the small bowel with sutures. How is this billed, is my surgeon a co or assistant surgeon?

Answer:

Neither. Repairing the bowel is not inherent to a gynecological procedure so your surgeon would not be a co or assistant surgeon. Instead she will bill for the work she performed, code 44602,Suture of small intestine (enterorrhaphy) for perforated ulcer, diverticulum, wound, injury or rupture; single perforation.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 03/16/23.