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tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2008 Issue 11

Spot 49080 Characteristics to Avoid Lavage Miscode

Remember, code does not include opening abdomen Although physicians use the term "lavage" to describe washing out of abdominal wounds during an exploratory procedure, you should be careful not to confuse this with lavage as defined by 49080 (Peritoneocentisis, abdominal paracentisis, or peritoneal lavage [diagnostic or therapeutic]; initial). During peritoneal lavage (49080) the physician introduces a saline solution into the peritoneal cavity through a needle inserted through the abdominal wall (peritoneocentesis), and then drains and collects the fluid. This fluid undergoes analysis to diagnose, for instance, intra-abdominal bleeding secondary to trauma. "We use diagnostic peritoneal lavage in the trauma...

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