February 2018 page 11
Surgery: Digestive System
Question: What Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) code(s) should be reported when an operative intervention is performed solely for lysis of intestinal adhesions?
Answer: If lysis of intestinal adhesions is performed independent of any other procedure, code 44005, Enterolysis (freeing of intestinal adhesion) (separate procedure), or code 44180, Laparoscopy, surgical, enterolysis (freeing of intestinal adhesion) (separate procedure) may be reported, as appropriate.
Question: What is the appropriate code(s) to report when a transanal endoscopic microsurgical (ie, TEMS) excision of rectal tumor, including muscularis propria (ie, full thickness) is performed?
Answer: Report code...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This February 2018 CPT Assistant Q&A article addresses digestive system surgery coding topics. It is useful for coders, billers, and auditors who need to understand the scope of the guidance and the code sets involved, especially when reviewing operative reports for intestinal adhesion lysis and transanal endoscopic microsurgical procedures. The article presents short question-and-answer guidance centered on CPT and Category III CPT codes.
Why This Topic Matters
Digestive system surgery coding can hinge on procedure approach and whether a service is performed independently or as part of another intervention. This article helps readers identify the relevant CPT code family discussed in the guidance and understand that the premium content focuses on narrow coding scenarios.
Article Sections
February 2018 page 11
A short Q&A section covering digestive system surgical coding topics presented in February 2018. It focuses on two operative scenarios involving intestinal adhesions and transanal rectal tumor excision.
What You Will Learn
The digestive system surgery topics addressed in this February 2018 Q&A
Which coding scenarios are discussed for intestinal adhesions
Which coding scenario is discussed for transanal endoscopic microsurgical rectal tumor excision
How the article is organized as a CPT Assistant question-and-answer page
Welcome to the ultimate resource for mastering CPT coding – the CPT® Assistant. This indispensable tool, brought to you by the American Medical Association (AMA), is designed specifically for medical coders, auditors, and billers who strive for accuracy and efficiency in their daily work with patient charts. Whether you are validating codes, training staff, or appealing insurance denials, CPT Assistant provides the authoritative guidance you need to excel.
Features
CPT Assistant
Expert Insights: Explanations and interpretations by the CPT Assistant Editorial Board.
Curated Content: Articles addressing key coding topics are meticulously curated for your convenience.
Visual Learning: Detailed examples, charts, graphs and illustrations to help you understand correct coding practices.
Monthly Updates: Regular updates on the latest coding changes and best practices.
Extensive Archive: Access more than 25 years of historical reference material.
Search Capabilities: Enjoy simple and effective search functions by keyword, code number, or article index.
Advantages and Benefits
With CPT Assistant, you can navigate the complexities of medical coding with unparalleled confidence. This resource offers authoritative answers and expert explanations that help reduce coding errors, leading to fewer claim denials and streamlined appeals processes. The comprehensive archive of articles, updated monthly, ensures you always have the most current information at your fingertips, enhancing your ability to stay ahead of industry changes and trends.
CPT Assistant’s visual aids, such as anatomical illustrations and procedural charts, make complex codes easier to understand, improving your accuracy and efficiency. By integrating this resource into your daily workflow, you can save valuable time and enhance your productivity.
Furthermore, CPT Assistant supports your professional growth by providing ongoing education and insights that keep you informed about the latest coding practices. This not only boosts your professional credibility but also enhances your ability to train and support your team effectively.
Get Started Today
Unlock your full potential and boost your coding capabilities with CPT Assistant today and experience the benefits of having a reliable, comprehensive coding resource at your disposal.