AMA CPT® Assistant - 2018 Issue 1 (January)
Surgery: Digestive System (Q&A)
January 2018 page 7a Surgery: Digestive System Question: What is the appropriate CPT code to report a laparoscopic paracolostomy hernia repair that includes placement of mesh? Answer: CPT code 49654, Laparoscopy, surgical, repair, incisional hernia (includes mesh insertion, when performed); reducible, or code 49655, Laparoscopy, surgical, repair, incisional hernia (includes mesh insertion, when performed); incarcerated or strangulated, should be reported for this procedure depending on whether the hernia was reducible or incarcerated/strangulated. Question: If hemorrhoid banding is performed during a colonoscopy, is code 45398, reported alone, or should codes 45378 and 46221 be reported? The operative note states "Non-bleeding...
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Article Overview
This January 2018 CPT Assistant Q&A article focuses on digestive system surgery coding topics, with emphasis on how to report selected laparoscopic hernia repair and colonoscopy-related hemorrhoid banding scenarios. It is useful for coders and auditing staff who need to understand the scope of the guidance, the procedure contexts discussed, and the CPT code sets referenced in the article.
Why This Topic Matters
Digestive system coding often depends on procedure approach, anatomy, and whether services are bundled or separately reportable. This article helps readers identify the relevant CPT guidance discussed for common endoscopy and anorectal procedure scenarios.
Article Sections
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Laparoscopic paracolostomy hernia repair with mesh
A question-and-answer segment discussing laparoscopic hernia repair coding in the context of mesh placement and related CPT reporting considerations.
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Hemorrhoid banding during colonoscopy
A question-and-answer segment addressing colonoscopy and hemorrhoid banding scenarios, including the procedure setting and the CPT codes discussed.
What You Will Learn
- The digestive system procedure topics addressed in the article.
- The kinds of CPT coding questions raised by laparoscopic hernia repair and colonoscopy-related services.
- How the article frames code reporting questions for endoscopy and anorectal procedures.
- The scope of guidance available in the January 2018 CPT Assistant Q&A.
- Which CPT code sets and related procedure contexts are referenced.
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Physician practices
- Gastroenterology coding professionals
- General surgery coding professionals
Codes Discussed
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