AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2013 Issue 2; Ask the Editor
Ex-Vivo Hepatic Resection with Reimplantation of Liver
A patient with liver cancer presents for what is described as ex-vivo hepatic resection and reimplantation of the liver. The surgeon removes the patient’s liver and excises the tumors from the liver (back bench surgery) and reimplants the liver back into the patient. How should these procedures be reported? There does not appear to be a way to capture the removal and subsequent re-insertion of the patient’s liver. Would it be appropriate to use a liver transplant since there is not a code for liver autotransplant? What is the appropriate code for the procedure performed? ...
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Article Overview
This premium article explains the coding considerations for an uncommon liver cancer surgery that involves removing the liver, treating it outside the body, and placing it back. It is aimed at coders and billing staff who need guidance on procedure classification when the service does not fit neatly into a standard transplant category. The discussion focuses on how the procedure is reported and why certain liver surgery and transplant options are considered or excluded.
Why This Topic Matters
Unusual operative techniques can be difficult to code correctly when no obvious code exists, and incorrect classification may affect claims processing and data accuracy. This article helps readers understand the proper coding approach for this type of hepatic procedure.
What You Will Learn
- How an ex-vivo liver procedure is framed for coding review
- How to think about procedure classification when standard options do not appear to fit
- Which general categories of liver surgery versus transplant are discussed in the article
- How coding guidance is presented for this unusual operative scenario
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Hospital billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
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