Coding a Vena Cava Thrombectomy with a Urologist Co-Surgeon

Question:

A urologist asked me to clear the thrombus and repair the vena cava during a radical nephrectomy for tumor resection. What code should I use?

Answer:

In this case, you are acting as a co-surgeon on code 50230, nephrectomy, including partial ureterectomy, any open approach, including rib resection; radical with regional lymphadenectomy and/or vena cava thrombectomy. You will report 50230-62 and the urologist will also report 50230-62. Note that if either surgeon also performs a lymphadenectomy, that is also included in 50230.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 05/25/17.