tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2011 Issue 12

Reader Question: Use Inclusive Code for Whipple Resection

Question: Our surgeon performed a "Whipple Resection," which included creating an opening between the pancreas and jejunum. How should we code the procedure?California SubscriberAnswer: A complete op note would be necessary to answer this question with certainty, but the best code for the procedure you describe is likely 48150 (Pancreatectomy, proximal subtotal with total duodenectomyh, partial gastrectomy, choledochoenterostomy and gastrojejunostomy [Whipple-type procedure]; with pancreatojejunostomy). The alternate code for the complex Whipple resection is 48152 (... without pancreatojejunostomy). Because you describe creating an opening between the pancreas and jejunum, 48150 is the better code.Watch bundles: Whipple-type procedures...

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