AMA CPT® Assistant - 2021 Issue 7 (July)
CPT® Assistant Then and Now: Laparoscopic Surgeries Converted to Open (July 2021)
July 2021 page 5 CPT® Assistant Then and Now: Laparoscopic Surgeries Converted to Open THEN In the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) 2000 code set, the Laparoscopy/Hysteroscopy subsection was deleted, and all laparoscopic codes were renumbered and placed within the appropriate anatomic subsections throughout the Surgery section of the CPT code set. Coding recommendations for laparoscopic procedures converted to open procedures at that time included the following: When the laparoscopy service requires a minilaparotomy (Hasson technique) or when secondary procedures involve significant additional time and effort, the additional work may be reported with modifier 22, Increased Procedural Services. As...
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Article Overview
This CPT Assistant article reviews how reporting guidance for laparoscopic procedures converted to open surgery has changed over time. It is relevant to coders, billing staff, and compliance professionals who work with surgical operative reports and CPT-based reporting policies. The article discusses historical and current guidance, the role of operative report review, and general considerations when procedures begin laparoscopically and are completed open.
Why This Topic Matters
Surgical cases that change intraoperatively can create reporting uncertainty, and this article helps readers understand the scope of CPT Assistant guidance on those situations. It is useful for aligning coding practice with operative documentation and payer or facility policy expectations without relying on assumptions.
Article Sections
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July 2021 page 5
Introductory page reference and article framing for the comparison between older and current guidance.
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Then
Historical guidance on laparoscopic procedures converted to open procedures, including the coding context discussed at that time and general reporting considerations.
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Now
Current guidance on laparoscopic procedures converted to open procedures, with discussion of how reporting considerations depend on the circumstances and documentation.
What You Will Learn
- How the article contrasts earlier and current CPT Assistant guidance
- What broad documentation issues matter in converted laparoscopic-to-open cases
- Why operative report review is important for procedure reporting
- How general payer and facility policy variation can affect reporting
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Revenue cycle staff
- Compliance professionals
- Surgical billing staff
Modifiers Discussed
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