tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2009 Issue 1

You Be the Coder: 44139 Doesn't Apply to Lap. Takedown

Question: If my physician performs colectomy (44140) and takes down the splenic flexure, I can report add-on code 44139. If my physician does this same procedure laparoscopically (44204), how can I get reimbursed for takedown of the splenic flexure? Maryland Subscriber Answer: The code you-re looking for is +44213 (Laparoscopy, surgical, mobilization [take-down] of splenic flexure performed in conjunction with partial colectomy [list separately in addition to primary procedure]). CPT added this code in 2006 to accompany primary procedure codes 44204-44208. If the surgeon performs laparoscopic partial colectomy with takedown of the splenic flexure, you-d report 44204 (Laparoscopy, surgical...

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