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Coding a Colotomy
How is this scenario coded? A segment of the colon is opened to remove a foreign body and then closed. No resection and no perforation.
Question:
How is this scenario coded? A segment of the colon is opened to remove a foreign body and then closed. No resection and no perforation.
Answer:
The scenario you describe is a colotomy; making an incision in the colon through which the colon is explored for biopsy or foreign body removal This is coded as 44025,Colotomy, for exploration, biopsy(s), or foreign body removal.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 09/06/18, 3:00 PM Central Time (CT).
Thrombolysis Through a Chest Tube
How is installation of tPA into a chest tube coded?
Question:
How is installation of tPA into a chest tube coded?
Answer:
Report this with the following codes:
|
CPT Code |
Description |
|
?32561 |
Instillation(s), via chest tube/catheter, agent for fibrinolysis (eg, fibrinolytic agent for break up of multiloculated effusion); initial day |
|
?32562 |
subsequent day |
Each of these codes is reported once per day only.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 10/30/18.
Ligating a Vessel in a Trauma Patient
What codes are used for ligating a vessel due to a traumatic injury?
Question:
What codes are used for ligating a vessel due to a traumatic injury?
Answer:
See codes 37565-37618, below. Select a code based on the anatomic area of the vessel. For example, Ligation, major artery (eg, post-traumatic, rupture); neck for ligating the jugular vein.
|
CPT Code |
Description |
|
37565 |
Ligation, major artery (eg, post-traumatic, rupture); neck |
|
37616 |
chest |
|
37617 |
abdomen |
|
37618 |
extremity |
*This response is based on the best information available as of 07/18/18.
Reporting Bowel Left in Discontinuity
What codes are reported if the bowel is left in discontinuity as part of damage control surgery?
Question:
What codes are reported if the bowel is left in discontinuity as part of damage control surgery?
Answer:
Since the bowel is resected but an anastomosis is not performed, report the appropriate bowel resection code with a 52 modifier for reduced services.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 06/14/18.
Coding 19120 vs 19301
What’s the difference between code 19120, breast mass excision and 19301, partial mastectomy/lumpectomy?
Question:
What’s the difference between code 19120, breast mass excision and 19301, partial mastectomy/lumpectomy?
Answer:
Both codes describe the excision of a lesion in the breast. Code 19120 is describes the excision or open removal of a cyst, fibroadenoma, or other benign or malignant tumor, aberrant breast tissue, duct lesion, nipple or areolar lesion.
In contrast, code 19301 also describes removal of a lesion by performing a partial mastectomy, for example a lumpectomy, tylectomy, quadrantectomy, or segmentectomy.However, this code requires the necessity and documentation of attention to the removal of adequate surgical margins surrounding the breast mass or lesion.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 05/03/18.
Coding a Skin or Nipple Sparing Mastectomy
What is the appropriate code for a complete skin sparing or complete nipple sparing mastectomy?
Question:
What is the appropriate code for a complete skin sparing or complete nipple sparing mastectomy?
Answer:
The code for a mastectomy described as complete skin sparing or complete nipple sparing mastectomy is 19303.
*This response is based on the best information available as of 04/19/18.