tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2016 Issue 8

Reader Question: Focus Laparoscopic Lymph Node Coding and Pay

Question: What is the correct code for a laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (periaortic and interaortocaval lymph nodes)? Texas Subscriber Answer: You should report 38589 (Unlisted laparoscopic procedure, lymphatic system) for the service you describe, because there is no specific CPT® code for this laparoscopic procedure. When you submit an unlisted code you should always include a cover letter with your claim explaining that you have searched the active CPT® codes and found no specific code for the procedure your surgeon performed. Use simple, straightforward language to explain exactly what the surgeon did and why an unlisted code fits...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to tci General Surgery Coding Alert.


Leverage vital, to-the-point monthly guidance to boost your reporting accuracy and your coding know-how. We make it convenient for your team to stay informed, compliant, and profitable with a subscription to TCI’s General Surgery Coding Alert.

  • Current newsletters added each month
  • Fully searchable archives - over 2100 articles
  • ALL years/issues back to 1999 organized by year and issue
  • Codes mentioned in articles are linked to Code Information pages
  • Code Information pages link back to related articles
Access to this feature is available in the following products:
  • tci General Surgery Coding Alert +Archives

demo
request yours today
 subscribe
start today
 newsletter
free subscription

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.