Reporting a Cholecystectomy and an Umbilical Hernia at the Same Operative Session

Question:

If a patient undergoes an open cholecystectomy and has a reducible umbilical hernia repaired during the same operative session, through separate incisions, can both be reported?

Answer:

Yes, if both procedures were performed through separate incisions both may be reported. Conversely, if both were repaired through the same incision, only the cholecystectomy would be reported.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 08/08/19.