tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2001 Issue 2

Reader Question: Foreign Body Removal

Question: What code should I use for the removal of an infected Marlex dual mesh by laparotomy that was previously placed at a hernia repair? Also included in the procedure was drainage of an intra-abdominal abscess and debridement of the wound.Texas SubscriberAnswer: Because the removal of a foreign body from the peritoneal cavity is bundled with the drainage of the abscess, you would code only 49020 (drainage of peritoneal abscess or localized peritonitis, exclusive of appendiceal abscess; open) to cover everything, says Barbara Cobuzzi, MBA, CPC, CPC-H, an independent coding and reimbursement specialist in Lakewood, N.J. If...

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