Coding Laparoscopic Resection

Question:

My doctor performed a laparoscopic resection of a pancreatic lesion. Can this be coded with the open code, since there is no laparoscopic code?

Answer:

CPT says that if there is not a code that describes specifically what was performed, you must use an unlisted code.

Since there are no laparoscopic codes for resection of a lesion of the pancreas, you would report 48999, unlisted code, pancreas. For setting a fee, you can compare the work to the most similar open code, 48120-48160. And remember, if a code does not specifically say “laparoscopic” in its description, it is intended as an open code only.

.*This response is based on the best information available as of 02/02/17.