Surgery: Integumentary System (Q&A) (December 2011)

December 2011 page 14 Surgery: Integumentary System Question 1: Should code 19364 , Breast reconstruction with free flap , be used to report the performance of a deep inferior epigastric perforator flap (DIEP) for breast reconstruction? Michele A. Wrightson, CCS-P Answer 1: Yes. Code 19364 , Breast reconstruction with free flap , is the appropriate code to report free flap breast reconstruction, regardless of the specific free flap used. It may be a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM), a free DIEP, or a gluteal free flap. Code 19364 is not limited to a particular type of free flap, and it is the...

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article addresses selected coding questions in the Surgery: Integumentary System area and is aimed at coders, billers, and clinical documentation staff who handle breast reconstruction claims. It explains the scope of guidance for two reconstruction scenarios, along with related microsurgical reporting considerations, so readers can evaluate whether their documentation and billing practices align with the article’s topic.

Why This Topic Matters

Breast reconstruction coding can affect claim accuracy, code selection, and reporting consistency. This article helps readers understand the general coding issues covered in the December 2011 Q&A and identify whether its guidance is relevant to their cases.

What You Will Learn

  • How the article frames CPT coding questions in integumentary surgery
  • Which breast reconstruction scenarios are discussed
  • What related microsurgical reporting topic is addressed
  • How the article approaches postmastectomy reconstruction questions at a high level

Who Should Read This

  • Medical coders
  • Coding auditors
  • Plastic surgery billing staff
  • Documentation specialists
  • Revenue cycle professionals

Codes Discussed


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