AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 1992 Fourth Quarter; New/Revised Codes
Hartmann Procedure
The Hartmann procedure is an operative procedure in which the sigmoid colon is resected with the proximal end terminated as a colostomy and the distal end (rectum) oversewn. This permits the later takedown of the colostomy and anastomosis of the end of the colon to the rectal stump. A true Hartmann procedure is done on the left side only and, therefore, its classification as a left hemicolectomy is correct. A Hartmann-like procedure is performed on other portions of the colon, however. When the term "Hartmann procedure" or "Hartmann-like" is used to describe partial resection of another portion of the...
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Article Overview
This brief coding article covers the Hartmann procedure in the context of colorectal surgery and classification of partial large intestine excision. It is useful for coders, auditors, and clinical documentation staff who need a general understanding of how the procedure is described in coding references and what broader coding category is associated with similar terminology in other parts of the colon.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate terminology in operative reports can affect how colorectal procedures are interpreted and grouped for coding review. The article helps readers distinguish the named procedure from broader references to related colon resections.
What You Will Learn
- How the Hartmann procedure is described in surgical terminology
- How related colorectal terminology is framed in coding references
- Which broad large intestine procedure category is associated with Hartmann-like descriptions in other colon locations
- How procedure wording can affect high-level coding interpretation
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation specialists
- Surgical billing staff
Code Ranges Discussed
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