Right Colectomy and Small Bowel Resection

Question:

The surgeon did a right colectomy and also documented a resection of the ileum. Is this billed separately as a small bowel resection?

Answer:

No. The resection of the ileum and anastomosis of the new end of the ileum (the neoterminal ileum) to the remaining colon (an ileocolostomy) is included in the code; 44160 for open and 44205 if performed laparoscopically.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 03/29/18.