tci General Surgery Coding Alert - 2010 Issue 16

READER QUESTIONS: Distinguish Abdominal Wall for Hernia

Question: Does CPT have a specific code for a laparoscopic release and repair of an incarcerated internal hernia of the small intestine, or should we bill an unlisted code such as 49659? How would we report the same service as an open procedure? Illinois Subscriber Answer: You will have to use an unlisted code because CPT does not provide a specific code for lap release and repair of an internal hernia in the small intestine. But you should report 44238 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, intestine [except rectum]) instead of 49659 (Unlisted laparoscopy procedure, hernioplasty, herniorrhaphy, herniotomy). Here's why: The lap...

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