tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2007 Issue 10

You Be the Coder ~ Is Gastric Band Removal Separate With Bypass?

Question: The patient underwent gastric bypass (43644) with removal of gastric band and subcutaneous port (43774). If I include modifier 59, would we receive payment for removing the gastric band and port? Texas SubscriberAnswer: The Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) bundles the band and port removal (43774, Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal of adjustable gastric band and subcutaneous port components) to the gastric restriction (43644, Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; with gastric bypass and Roux-en-Y gastroenterostomy [roux limb 150 cm or less]).The edit does include a -1- modifier indicator, meaning you can append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service)...

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