tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2013 Issue 1

Reader Question: 'Buckle' Equals Lap Band Revision

Question: Our surgeons perform Gastric Lap Band for obesity. Lately we have had a couple of procedures where the only purpose is to either "unbuckle" the band or to "buckle" the band related to pouch dilation. These are done laparoscopically. I am at a loss on how to code this -- is it a lap-band adjustment? Mississippi Subscriber Answer: The procedure you describe s not a lap-band adjustment, which involves loosening or tightening the gastric band via a needle in a port. Instead, the procedure you describe involves a newer lap-band product that allows the surgeon to "unbuckle" the...

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