Part B Insider - 2010 Issue 16
READER QUESTIONS : Distinguish Abdominal Wall for Hernia
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This reader Q&A discusses CPT code selection for an internal hernia involving the small intestine and contrasts laparoscopic versus open reporting approaches. It is aimed at coders and billing staff who need help locating the appropriate CPT section, understanding when an unlisted procedure code is used, and recognizing the broader anatomic distinction between abdominal wall hernia repairs and intestinal procedures.
Why This Topic Matters
Correctly distinguishing abdominal wall hernia procedures from internal intestinal hernia procedures affects CPT code selection and helps avoid reporting a service under the wrong code family.
Article Sections
-
Question
The reader asks about reporting a laparoscopic service and an open service for an incarcerated internal hernia involving the small intestine.
-
Answer
The response discusses the relevant CPT areas to consider and identifies the general approach to reporting laparoscopic and open procedures for this scenario.
-
Find open code
This short section directs the reader to the CPT area used to locate the open-procedure option for the described intestinal hernia service.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames the distinction between abdominal wall hernia repair and internal intestinal hernia repair
- Which CPT code family is discussed for laparoscopic reporting
- How the article approaches finding an open-procedure CPT option
- Why unlisted procedure reporting is raised in this scenario
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Billing staff
- Coding auditors
- Revenue cycle professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com