tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2013 Issue 2

You Be the Coder: Beware Lap to Open Conversions

Question: I’m reviewing a coder’s work for a surgery case for a ventral hernia (reducible) lap repair converted to open, requiring mesh implantation. The coder is listing 49565, 49568 and 49656-74. Is this correct?Washington Subscriber Answer: When a surgeon converts a laparoscopic procedure to open, you should code only the open procedure. Your coder claims the following: 49565 -- Repair recurrent incisional or ventral hernia; reducible 49568 -- Implantation of mesh or other prosthesis for open incisional or ventral hernia repair or mesh for closure of debridement for necrotizing soft tissue infection (List separately in addition...

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