March 2013 page 13b
Surgery: Integumentary System
Question: May code 21600, Excision of rib, partial, be reported separately, in conjunction with breast reconstruction, when performed with a free flap?
Answer: No. CPT code 19364, Breast reconstruction with free flap, includes a partial rib resection and thus, code 21600 is not reported separately. Code 19364 includes the creation of a pocket, preparation of recipient vessels, harvest and transfer of flap to the recipient site, partial rib resection, microvascular anastomosis of one artery and two veins, closure of the donor site, and primary closure.
Surgery: Integumentary System (Q&A) (March 2013)...
Note: The following article synopsis was NOT provided by the AMA. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.
Article Overview
This short CPT Assistant Q&A explains a surgery coding question related to integumentary procedures and breast reconstruction. It is relevant to professional coders, auditors, and billing staff who need to understand how the article frames reporting in a specific operative context. The article presents a focused coding discussion rather than a broad guideline update.
Why This Topic Matters
It helps readers recognize that the article addresses a specific CPT reporting question within integumentary surgery, which can affect how similar operative services are reviewed or documented.
What You Will Learn
The general coding topic addressed in the Q&A
How the article frames a specific integumentary surgery reporting question
The type of CPT guidance discussed in the context of breast reconstruction procedures
The relevance of the discussion to surgical coding review and documentation
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