AMA CPT® Assistant - 2006 Issue 4 (April)
Surgery: Digestive System-- Bariatric Surgery (April 2006)
April 2006 page 19 Digestive System - Bariatric Surgery, 49320 (Q&A) Question Is it appropriate to separately report a diagnostic laparoscopy when a surgical laparoscopy is performed? AMA Comment From a CPT coding perspective, a surgical laparoscopy always includes a diagnostic laparoscopy. Therefore, it is not appropriate to separately report a diagnostic laparoscopy when a surgical laparoscopy is performed. When a diagnostic laparoscopy (peritoneoscopy) is performed as a separate procedure, report CPT code 49320 , Laparoscopy, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum, diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing (separate procedure) . Digestive System - Bariatric Surgery, 49320...
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Article Overview
This article is a short CPT coding question-and-answer piece from AMA/CPT Assistant focused on digestive system and bariatric surgery billing. It explains the general topic of laparoscopic procedure reporting and is relevant to coders and billing professionals who work with surgical coding guidance.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers quickly determine whether the article applies to surgical coding questions involving laparoscopic procedures and CPT reporting conventions.
What You Will Learn
- The general topic of laparoscopic procedure reporting in digestive system/bariatric surgery coding.
- How the article frames a coding question and the associated AMA comment.
- Whether the piece is a brief Q&A or a longer instructional article.
- The type of guidance provided for CPT-oriented surgical coding scenarios.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Revenue cycle professionals
- Surgical practice staff
Codes Discussed
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