tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2003 Issue 10

Reader Question: Hematoma Isn't a Complication

Question: Six days ago, a patient underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Since then, the IV site has become red and swollen and developed a hematoma. Is the hematoma a related complication of the lap chole (and therefore bundled), or is I&D of the hematoma a separately billable procedure?Montana Subscriber Answer: In the case you cite, the hematoma is not a complication of the surgery and is therefore not directly related to the lap chole. Therefore, even though the surgeon performed incision and drainage (I&D) of the hematoma (10140*, Incision and drainage of hematoma, seroma or fluid collection)...

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