A provider performed a distal pancreatectomy with en bloc resection of the celiac axis, which is also known as an Appleby procedure. Is it appropriate to append modifier 22 to code 48140 for the celiac axis resection, or should a separate code be reported for this work? ...
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This coding article addresses a surgical scenario involving distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection and explains the general reporting question it raises. It is aimed at medical coders, billing staff, and surgical documentation reviewers who need to understand how the procedure is discussed in relation to CPT reporting and modifier use. The article focuses on the code referenced, the circumstances under which additional work may be considered, and the documentation issues tied to that discussion.
Why This Topic Matters
Rare or unusually complex surgical cases can create uncertainty about whether standard reporting is sufficient or whether additional reporting support is needed. Understanding the article helps coders and providers evaluate documentation and coding implications for this type of pancreatic surgery.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames reporting for a distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection
- What general documentation considerations are discussed for unusually extensive surgical work
- Why modifier-related review may be relevant in this scenario
- How the article situates the procedure within CPT-based reporting
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Coding auditors
- Billing staff
- Surgical documentation reviewers
- Physician advisors
Codes Discussed
Modifiers Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.

Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com