tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2009 Issue 14

Reader Question: Beware Separate Mesh Removal

Question: The surgeon performed the following: Made 10 cm supraumbilical transverse incision with 15-blade scalpel carried down through subcutaneous tissue using Bovie. Used combination electrocautery and blunted dissection to isolate area of scar tissue on patient's right side. Noted sutures from previous umbilical hernia repair and mesh from right-lower abdominal hernia repair. Excised mesh and surrounding scar tissue to level of fascia using combination Bovie and blunt dissection. Closed with 30 Vicrylc and interrupted nylons. Can we bill separately for abdominal exploration (49000), mesh removal (+11008), and scar revision (13101) based on this operative note? California Subscriber Answer: No...

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