AMA CPT® Assistant - 2001 Issue 10 (October)
Respiratory/Hemic and Lymphatic Systems (October 2001)
October 2001 page 10b Coding Consultation Respiratory/Hemic and Lymphatic Systems, 31365, 38720 (Q&A) Question When a total laryngectomy with bilateral radical neck dissection is performed, should modifier -50, Bilateral procedure, be appended to code 31365, Laryngectomy; total, with radical neck dissection? AMA Comment The larynx is a single midline organ, therefore, it would not be appropriate to append modifier -50 to code 31365 as a laryngectomy cannot be performed bilaterally. Instead, code 31365, Laryngectomy; total, with radical neck dissection should be reported to identify the total laryngectomy and radical neck dissection on one side of the neck. Code...
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Article Overview
This article is a short AMA CPT Assistant question-and-answer item focused on respiratory, hemic, and lymphatic system surgery coding guidance from October 2001. It is intended for coding professionals who need to assess how the discussion relates to CPT reporting for a neck and laryngeal procedure scenario, along with related modifier usage and service separation concepts. The piece presents a specific consultation format and an AMA comment addressing the coding issue at a broad level.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps coders and auditors understand the scope of a published CPT Assistant clarification from the AMA and determine whether the guidance is relevant to similar surgical reporting questions.
Article Sections
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Coding Consultation
Introduces the coding question addressed in the article and frames the consultation topic within respiratory, hemic, and lymphatic system surgery.
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Question
Presents the subscriber’s coding scenario and the issue being asked for review in the consultation format.
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AMA Comment
Summarizes the AMA’s response to the consultation and the general coding guidance discussed for the scenario.
What You Will Learn
- The article’s consultation format and subject area
- How the discussion is organized around a specific surgical coding scenario
- The general role of modifier usage and service distinction in the AMA’s comment
- The relevance of this CPT Assistant item to respiratory, hemic, and lymphatic system coding questions
Who Should Read This
- Professional coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing specialists
- Compliance staff
- Physician practice coders
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
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